Visual art that first appeared in the early 1960s, Op Art has become one of the most popular art forms in the world. This art form relies heavily on basic optical illusions to create eye-catching visuals that aim to evoke a response of surprise, confusion, or fear from the viewer.
In its simplest form, Op Art is made up of complex geometric patterns or abstract designs paired with vivid color palettes to create mesmeric shapes that puzzle and captivate the eye. Understanding the basics of how this art form works and its most popular characteristics can help guide those looking to explore the world of Op Art.
Basic Anatomy of Op Art
Op Art relies heavily on harmony between combination of geometrical shapes and tones. Equidistant patterns, for example, are essential for creating a feeling of symmetry or balance among individual components in the art piece. Colors and textures are also used to create depth in Op Art, allowing viewers to perceive minute details that otherwise wouldn’t be noticed.
Many artwork pieces also employ 3D shapes, such as conical pillars or pyramids to create an unusual illusion in the art. Composition is key to Op Art, and individuals who are familiar with how to effectively craft an art piece of this style will also rely heavily on contrast.
This can be done by matching warm and cool tones or textures to create visual tension. Different tinted backgrounds are also used to increase or decrease the perceived size of elements in the work, allowing the artist to draw attention to particular elements or create a dizzying effect to confuse viewers.
History and Development of Op Art
The Op Art movement first made its debut in 1965 with the exhibition “The Responsive Eye” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. The exhibition showcased the work of artists such as Bridget Riley, Peter Max, Josef Albers, Robert Rauschenberg, and Robert Delaunay, who all used the optical illusions created by Op Art in their works. Chromatic aberration, an effect that distorts perceived colors when objects move towards or away from a source of light, is often a component of Op Art.
This phenomenon was first discovered by Lotte Reiniger in 1921, who employed it in many of her animated films. The technique was later developed by Irvin Vertes, who used it to create his famous geometrical shapes and patterns for his Op Art pieces.
Characteristics of Op Art
Op Art artworks are predominately composed of a few basic components: line, form, color, and contrast. Lines form the basis of the artwork, which can then be combined to create more elaborate geometric designs.
Form, which is typically achieved through optical effects and perspective manipulation, is also an essential component in achieving an interesting composition. Color is used to further enhance the work’s overall impact and give it a distinct look. Contrast is employed to further emphasize shapes and patterns, often using a vibrant and contrasting color scheme.
To create a lasting impression and bring an Op Art piece to life, many artists place emphasis on texture. Texture is used to convey motion, as well as contrast and depth. This element is typically created by shifting a color’s hue, tone, or saturation.
Influential Op Art Creators
Throughout the years, many renowned artists have inspired individuals to explore the world of Op Art. Yves Klein, for example, was a French artist who worked primarily in abstraction and monochromatic blue.
His work often contained various hues blended together and was known for including geometrical shapes that captivated viewers. The kinetic art Movement was a concept introduced by Carlos Cruz-Diez in 1955 and aimed to create an artwork that changes as a result of its viewer. The movement was created with the intent to have the viewer engaged and immersed in the artwork.
Josef Albers established a foundation mathematics of color in regards to the optical illusions created by Op Art. Derek Boshier is another influential artist, whose work utilizes simple lines to produce patterns that change in appearance when the viewer moves further away.
How to Create Op Art
Creating an Op Art piece is relatively simple and requires minimal amount of supplies. Artists typically start by sketching basic geometric shapes, such as squares, triangles, and circles.
After sketching, they will use some sort of colored medium, such as paint, markers, or colored pencils to color their shapes. Once the shapes and colors have been added, the artist may then add additional elements and details to add depth and further enhance their art. To provide further emphasis on the illusions that are trying to be conveyed, artists often refrain from using straight lines in their pieces, opting instead for angled, curved, or wavy lines.
To break up the uniformity of the shapes and colors, the artist may also choose to use a colored background or play around with light and shadow elements to create a sense of depth within the work. These techniques are also essential for achieving a balanced and finished work.
Examples of Op Art Creations
Op Art pieces can be seen throughout the world, whether it is large scale murals at a museum or in more subtle forms such as postcards and illustrations. Some popular works include Bridget Riley’s “Movement in Squares” and “Lines – Cosmos”, Robert Delauney’s “Circle with Concentric Rings”, and Kimiya Masago’s “Motion Picture”.
The Op Art movement has had a major influence on various aspects of the world, from fashion to architecture. It has been used in the designs of furniture, decorative art pieces, and fashion clothing. Op Art has also been employed in advertising, with brands like Prada and Adidas incorporating the art form into their marketing campaigns.
Benefits of Op Art
The use of optical illusions in art can provide viewers with numerous mental and visual benefits. On mental level, Op Art can help to improve focus and attention, as it is important to really focus on the artwork in order to understand its complexities. It also allows individuals to engage with their creative side as it encourages them to push their boundaries when it comes to exploring new art forms.
On the visual level, looking at Op Art can help to improve cognitive awareness and can provide recognizable visual stimulation. The bright and vibrant colors that are often associated with Op Art can make the artwork appear more attractive and entice viewers to further explore the artwork.
Conclusion
Op Art is an impressive and captivating artwork form filled with optical illusions and mesmerizing patterns. This ever-evolving art form is unique in that it does not require special supplies and can be created anywhere, making it accessible to all. Understanding the basics of Op Art and exploring the works of influential creators can help to discover what this art form is really capable of.