Op Art: Using Geometry to Make Abstract Designs Math + Art = Fun! Ms. Mingus’s Kindergarten Class

What Does “Optical” Mean? What sense do we use to look at the world? What is an optical illusion?

What geometric shapes do you see in these pictures? Do they seem to be moving? How are they like optical illusions?

How do repeated shapes create movement?

Op-Artist: Bridget Riley Pause (1964) Video: Bridget Riley's circles run rings around us (click on picture above) Movement in Squares (1961)

Before we begin making our op art pieces: what can you tell me about these shapes? Sides/ angles? Characteristics? triangle square circle rectangle

Geometric Abstractions in Op Art: What does ABSTRACT mean? What does GEOMETRIC mean? Demonstration: Use ruler and pencil to make straight lines in any direction across the neon paper or create concentric lines [your lines should take up the entire space on the page] Use a pencil to: Trace around any shapes on top of your lines Lightly mark in every other space (like a checkerboard) Use permanent markers (one color only) to create your op art piece

What shapes did you use in your design? Follow up: What shapes did you use in your design? How many sides and angles are in each shape? In your design: Did any shapes repeat themselves (repetition)? Which shapes are larger? Which shapes are smaller? If they are different sizes, are they still the same basic shape? Does their position in the design change the shape? Which shapes are on top? Which ones are on the bottom? Did you use concentric lines? Did your geometric shapes create a sense of movement?