Op Art In Focus_Tate

Op art is a major development in art that emerged in the 1960s. Characterised by its use of bold contrasting colour, lines and geometric shapes, leading figures of the movement, including Riley and Jesus Rafael Soto (1923–2005), made work to dazzle the eye. Drawing on colour theory, they experimented with perception to create effects ranging from the subtle, to the disturbing and disorientating.

Tate Liverpool presents Op Art in Focus, a dazzling free display that celebrates the development of optical art. Featuring work by artists including Bridget Riley (b. 1931), and Victor Vasarely (1908-1997), the display also explores the movement’s legacy and influence on contemporary art, as demonstrated in the work of artists such as Damien Hirst (b. 1965) and Angela Bulloch (b. 1966).

Op art (short for optical art) emerged in the 1960s. Its leading figures included Bridget Riley, Jesus Rafael Soto and Victor Vasarely. They combined lines, geometric shapes and eye popping colour to create artworks that fool the eye. Images could be subtle or disorientating, giving the illusion of movement. The display moves beyond the typical period of op art and includes works by more contemporary artists such as Angela Bulloch. Included is a rare installation of Jim Lambie’s Zobop which floods the gallery floor with psychedelic patterning.

For more details: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-liverpool/exhibition/op-art-focus

Image courtesy of Tate Liverpool | © Estate of Walter Leblanc