Ms.

Weiss
Art 8/9

Op Art

Optical Art

Op Art is short for Optical Art. Following the Pop Art movement of the 1960's, Op Art came on the
scene. Initially many referred to it as kinetic art because the art moved or appeared to move because
of an illusion. Visual effects that cause illusions include vibrating colors, pulsating patterns, and
concentric colors. The patterns disturb the eye and cause it so see movement. Many viewers of Op Art
are compelled to turn away because of the effect.

The fathers of the Op Art movement are Josef Albers and Victor Vasarely. Albers experimented with
color and discovered that combinations of certain colors did something the colors didn't do by
themselves. Vasarely also explored colors and illusions. By combining geometric elements with colors
and values, he created retinal vibrations. Another well known Op Art illusionist is Bridget Riley. She
worked primarily in black and white with linear waves, billows, and vibrations.

The Op Art period was short and sweet. Although short, Op Art had a strong influence on textile and
product design, music, advertising, and interior design.

Objective:
In this lesson, you will study the work of Josef Albers and Victor Vasarely. You will identify the
elements of design used in the art and movement. You will be creating a 3D cube using geometric
shapes and designs. Elements used should include line, space, and shape. A successful design will
create an illusion of movement and will fool and disturb the eye. Your finished art should demonstrate
your time and effort as well as use of tools, originality, and craftsmanship.

Warm Up:
1. Railroad Tracks: Place a tiny dot in the middle of the top line. On the bottom line, use a ruler to
mark dots at inch intervals (about 6 mm apart). Using a sharp pencil, draw lines to connect the
dots on the bottom line to the dot on the top line. This will create the illusion of railroad tracks. (See
example below.)

Line #1 ______________________________________________________________

Line #2 ______________________________________________________________
Prints by Victor Vasarely

Vega-Nor by Victor Vasarely

Alom by Victor Vasarely

Vonal Ksz, by Victor Vasarely

Student Handout for Sketches
Idea pages
Project Examples:
 Op Art Design Self-Assessment Sheet

Name _________________________________________________ Period

______________________

1. I used at least 3 globes/cubes in variety of sizes in my design. The use of contrast

in size creates variety and an interesting rhythm in my design. (25 pts.) __________

2. There is a strong use of contrasting color in my design accomplished either

through the use of complementary colors or warm/cool colors. I also used Value
__________
(lights and darks) and blended colors. (25 pts.)

3. I demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship in my overall design. The inking of

my background and objects is accurate and done neatly. I also NEATLY applied color
__________
pencil to my design. (35 pts.)

4. I demonstrated as much effort as I could on this project. (15 pts.) __________

Your Total __________

Final Grade __________

- See more at: http://www.incredibleart.org/lessons/middle/Carolyn-OP.htm#sthash.yZJrvZvz.dpuf