1990
Widely considered the grandfather of Op art, the French-Hungarian painter Victor Vasarely (1906–97) created eye-popping geometric abstractions that play with the viewer’s perception of depth, perspective and motion. A classic example is the 1937 Zebra, which consists of undulating black and white stripes that suggest the form of the titular animal through optical trickery. The work is often credited as the earliest Op art painting.
Such illusions were more than pleasing tricks for Vasarely, who insisted that “pure form and pure color can signify the world.” He wanted to “democratize” art by producing works in large editions at reasonable prices that were understandable across national and cultural boundaries. In the 1960s, he developed an alphabet plastique, or fine art alphabet, consisting of elementary visual building blocks that could be used in endless combinations to create original compositions. By employing this universal visual vocabulary and stripping away topical references, he sought to create what he called a “Planetary Folklore.”
Embodying Vasarely’s singular belief that art should serve a social function, accessible to all, these innovations may perhaps be his greatest contribution to 20th-century art.
Find a collection of Victor Vasarely prints, paintings, sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.
TRIDIM Gris
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairlawn, OH
TRIDIM Gris Screen print, 1986 Signed in pencil lower right (see photo) Edition: 200 (76/200) From: portfolio enetitled "35 ans apres" Printed at Atelier Arcay, Paris, France Publisher: Park West Gallery...
Screen
Our M.C.-2
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Our M.C.-2 Screen print, 1970 Signed in pencil lower right Chop stamp: Denise Rene Editeur, on lower left margin From: Album Charities Edition: 300 (35/300) Catalog raisonne states e...
Screen
Olkia-1
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Olkia-1 Color lithograph, 1962 Signed dated and numbered in lower margin Edition: 80 (32/80) Condition: Very good. White pigment appears to have been added along the border of the ov...
Lithograph
TallerOr
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairlawn, OH
TallerOr Screen print printed on "card board" (cream poster board), 1968 Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 150 (54/150), plus 11 for the Vasarely Fou...
Screen
DOOR-MC
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairlawn, OH
DOOR-MC Screen print, 1982 Signed and numbered in pencil Printed on Arches wove paper Published by Atelier Arcay, Paris Edition: 325 (47/325) Reference Benavides & Vasarely No. 894 C...
Screen
Sanctuary
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Signed, dated, titled and numbered in pencil Edition: 150 (80/150) 15 color silk screen 12" round Provenance: Estate of the Artist By decent
Screen
Pixis
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Victor Vasarely Pixis Screenprint 17 3/8 x 14 7/8 in. Edition of 50 annotated F.V. Pencil signed and numbered Condition: This work is in excellent condition....
Screen
Teke
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Victor Vasarely Teke c. 1970 Screenprint 34 1/2 x 30 1/2 in. Edition of 250 Pencil signed and numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fine Art. C...
Screen
Zeng
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Victor Vasarely Zeng c. 1975-1980 Silkscreen 30 3/4 x 30 3/4 in. Edition of 250 Pencil signed & numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fin...
Screen
Koskota
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Victor Vasarely Koskota 1976 Silkscreen 24 1/2 x 24 1/2 in. 28/250 Pencil signed and numbered Condition: This work is in excellent condition. It has never be...
Color
Zeta
By Victor Vasarely
Located in OPOLE, PL
Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) - Zeta Silkscreen / Serigraph from 1969. Edition III/VIII. Dimensions of work: 46 x 40 cm. Hand signed. Reference: Catalogue Raisonné Vol I par Pedro...
Screen
Risir
By Victor Vasarely
Located in OPOLE, PL
Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) - Risir Silkscreen / Serigraph from 1989. Edition of 250. Dimensions of work: 47 x 37.5 cm Reference: Catalogue Raisonné Vol I par Pedro Benavides n° ...
Screen
In the 1960s and '70s, the hypnotic creations of Op artists went mainstream and influenced the look of pop culture.
Americans are rediscovering the globe-trotting painter and poet, who was connected to all sorts of art movements across a long and varied career.
