Optical Art

Optical Art is a method of painting relating to the interaction between illusion and picture plane, between understanding and seeing. Op art works are abstract, with many of the more popular pieces made in only black and white. When they are looked at by the veiwer, the impression is given of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibration, patterns, or alternatively, of swelling or warping.

For part of my research I am looking at Optical Art and different Optical Illusions. I love the effect optical illusions create and how the simple use of black and white lines can produce many different illusions. Shown below are some of the images I collected whilst researching this topic.

Cover from Vogue, Vol. 145, No.10, June 1965, featuring the article: "Pow! Op goes the Art, Op goes the fashion. Now, Op goes the makeup".

Photograph of woman wearing a Positive Negative dress by Getulio Alviani at an exhibition of his work. Blaze 3, Bridget Riley

Photograph of The Who wearing an Optical Illusion printed T-shirt.

Pop Art featuring Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol

Pop Art is an art movement and style that had its origins in England in the 1950s and made its way to the United States during the 1960s. Pop artists have focused attention upon familiar images of the popular culture such as billboards, comic strips, magazine advertisements, and supermarket products.

I have decided to research Pop Art as I think it is bold in it's use of colour and form. I am hoping that my own prints will have the same effect. I have gained inspiration from the clean lines and bold colours used in Pop Art.

Detail of Still Life with Lobster, 1974, Roy Lichtenstein
Still Life with Red Jar, 1994, Roy Lichtenstein
Interior with African Mask, Roy Lichtenstein
Blue Marilyn, 1962, Andy Warhol
Pepper Pot, Cambell's Soup 1, 1968, Andy Warhol

Theme Board

For my theme board I have included the different areas of my research and tried to show what my project is based on and what I will be studying to gain inspiration for my designs.