Fine Art or Optical Trickery?

In 1965, TIME magazine coined the phrase, "Op Art" which was a shorthand description for optical art. Op Art refers to nonrepresentational art where the color and perspective give the viewer a sense of movement, patterns or vibrations. (Victor Vasarely's work on right)

Starting in the 60s, Op Art style was the rage in fashion, architecture, decorating and advertising. It was considered by a many to be a very hip new art form created by young emerging artists.

In fact, not only had artists such as M.C. Escher and Josef Albers been experimenting with color and perspectives for decades, but the artists most associated with Op Art in the 60s were: Bridget Riley (1931), Victor Vasarely (1908-1997), Richard Anuskiewicz (1930). In other words, these were older and more highly experienced artist.

In spite of the popularity of Op Art, there were art critics who contended that it really wasn't a fine art style. Instead, they contended that since the goal of Op Art is to fool the eye - much like trompe l'oeil painted murals which create illusory scenes of depth - Op Art was nothing more than art trickery. (Bridget Riley at left and below left - Richard Anuskiewicz below right.)




Below is an example of trompe l'oeil.



What do you think? Fine Art or optical trickery?