Optical Art

   Optical Art often termed "Op Art" has its roots from the Bauhaus school borrowing from constructivism. Op Art is often geometrical art that plays tricks on the eyes. It has quite a profound effect on the eyes and is sometimes hard to look at for a period of time. This is because of the intense and excessive stimulation to the eyes and brain. Once dismissed as simply optical illusions, it is now understood that Op Art uses complex color theory and line principals. Op art is done in black and white only and also using certain color combinations because of their relationship to one another produces a certain effect on the eye. These color relationships are simultaneous contrast, successive contrast, and reverse contrast (or assimilation). Using certain color relationships will create the optical illusions such as movement, gyration, hidden images and juxtaposition. You will often hear someone say "That makes me dizzy" when they look at Op Art. It indeed does make one dizzy! However, it is an extremely unique and interesting form of art.

An import an Op artist from history is Victor Vasarely (1908-1997). He is considered to have created the first Op Art piece. This piece is a black and white piece titled "Zebras".