OP Art By Teresa Zappey

Note Requirements  In your notes write a definition of OP Art.  Write a one paragraph biography, 2 sentences or more, on each artist.  Write a complete description about one painting from each artist and why you liked it.

Op Art Definition  Not to be confused with pop art  Not to be confused with pop art pop artpop art  Op art, also known as optical art, is a genre of visual art that makes use of optical illusions. artoptical illusionsartoptical illusions  Op art works are abstract, with many of the better known pieces made in only black and white. When the viewer looks at them, the impression is given of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibration, patterns, or alternatively, of swelling or warping

Bridget Riley  Bridget was born in London.  1960 she began to develop her signature Op Art style consisting of black and white geometric patterns.  During her early career, Riley worked as an art teacher. She also worked as an illustrator.

Bridget Riley analyzing color combinations.  Riley is interested in visual effects, commenting:  The eye can travel over the surface in a way parallel to the way it moves over nature. It should feel caressed and soothed, experience frictions and ruptures, glide and drift. One moment, there will be nothing to look at and the next second the canvas seems to refill, to be crowded with visual events

Riley works meticulously,  She carefully mixes her colors to achieve the exact hue and intensity she desires.  She explores color interaction first in small gouache color studies, then moving to full-size.  The large-scale canvases are then marked up and painted entirely by hand — first in acrylics, then in oil.

Bridget started working in black & white then began to explore color.

Memories of Victor Vasarely   A personal recollection (by Alex Adelman): I was very fortunate to have met Victor Vasarely several times and will always remember him as a very warm, funny, charming, intelligent man. However, what struck me most about him was that he had a child-like innocence and wonderment toward both people and the world around him. The last time I saw him, a year or so ago, I remember fondly watching him play Yvaral several games of chess. Needless to say, he beat Yvaral each time! We shared a glass of wine, chocolates and then he entertained us with Hungarian folk songs. It was a truly fun and memorable occasion! Born April 9, 1906 Pécs, HungaryApril PécsHungary Died March 15, 1997 (aged 90)

Victor Vasarely  Original color aluminum sculpture 19 5/8 in x 19 5/8 in x 19

Vasarely Museum, In Hungary It houses over 400 works of his art

Op Sculptures by VV  Victor did many large Op sculptures around the world.

Leader of the OP Art Movement  Duo-2, 1967 Duo-2, 1967 Duo-2, 1967  Victor patented his methods.  He hired assistants to make his ideas.

Title: Gestalt – MC Artist: Vasarely, Victor Gestalt – MCGestalt – MC  Hand Painted Acrylic on Wood Sculpture  Image Size: 16 1/2 in x 15 1/2 in x 2 in  Condition: This work is in great condition, with bright fresh colors.  Price : $15,000  Price : $15,000

Title: Caopeo (1964)Artist: Vasarely, Victor Caopeo (1964)Caopeo (1964)  : Hand painted and glazed porcelain relief in black and white Image Size: 78 in x 78 in (6.5 feet x 6.5 feet) : Vasarely on the back  Price : $250,000  Price : $250,000

Title: Eridan II, 1956 Eridan II, 1956Eridan II, 1956  Original Vasarely Serigraph in Black on Aluminum Panel  Image Size: in x 10 in : Numbered 5/17 in black ink on aluminum plaque  Condition: This work is in very good condition  Price : $25,000  Price : $25,000

M.C. Escher AKA; Maurits Cornelis Escher,  Often he was, and still is, referred to as a Specialist in Optical Art, Master of Symmetry, Dutch Engraver, Dutch Graphic Artist, Dutch Illustrator and Dutch Mathematician.  All these titles hold true to the diversity of this man's style.

His particular artistic style is said to be what has bridged the gap between art and math and art and science.  Escher, born to a civil engineer June 17, 1898, was encouraged by his family at a young age to pursue an education in Architectural Arts. His lack of interest and poor grades led him in a different direction with his artistic talents.  It was not until he reached age twenty-one that he discovered his true calling: Graphic Art. From then on, his success story writes itself.

He taught himself in the areas of math and science  He studied math and technical papers in order to achieve his artistic goals.  This caught the attention of many scientists and mathematicians alike.  It is often wondered if he was truly an artist or a mathematician by his own right.

Tessellations  His passions, or addictions as he so often called them, focused on tessellation (inter linking figurative work) and regular plane division

His accomplishments inspire many and provoke many to study his work further.

The impact this man has on the art world seems to live on and may never die.

M. C. Escher died March 27, 1972 with a huge arsenal of artistic achievements by his name:  - He Completed 448 Escher lithographs, wood cuts and wood engravings  - Over 2000 drawings and sketches  - Over twenty periodicals articles, books and booklets were published about him or by him between the years 1921 and 1990