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.
Victor Vasarely, screenprint "Granat", 1966. Portfolio Lapidaire
By Denise René, Victor Vasarely
Located in Renens, CH
Artist: Victor Vasarely Title: "Granat" Silksreen, 1966 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 79/150 Publisher : Denise Renè, Paris Printer : Ateliers Arcay A leading pione...
Paper
Victor Vasarely, Serigraph "Composition Silver", 1980
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Renens, CH
Artist: Victor Vasarely Title: Composition Silver Year: 1980 Edition: Edition of 100. Dimensions : 31,8 cm x 44.8 cm Signed and numbered 32/100 in pencil. Screenprint on paper...
Paper
"Untitled composition" lithography by Sonia Delaunay 1969
By Sonia Delaunay
Located in Renens, CH
Sonia Delaunay, "Untitled composition", 1969 Lithograph in colors on wove paper by Ukrainian born French artist Sonia Delaunay ( 1885-1979 ). Signed in pencil lower right edge; n...
Paper
Verner Panton Square Rug, Mira-Carré – Switzerland 1970s
By Verner Panton, Mira-X
Located in Renens, CH
Square rug designed by Verner Panton in the early 1970s and produced by Tisca (Mira-X), Switzerland during this same period. This exceptionally rare rug is still in very good condi...
Synthetic
Verner Panton Rugs: Mira-Carré – 1970s Switzerland, Set of Six
By Verner Panton, Mira-X
Located in Renens, CH
A collection of six square rugs designed by Verner Panton in the early 1970s and produced by Tisca (Mira-X), Switzerland during this same period. These exceptionally rare rugs are s...
Synthetic
Italian Vintage Tapestry by Missoni, 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Renens, CH
Italian collectable tapestry, professionally framed. This piece, considered a work of art has been designed by Ottavio Missoni, (1921 – 2013) during the 1980s. The Missoni enterpris...
Wool, Plywood
Victor Vasarely Signed Original Serigraph, Circa 1970's - Composition Cinetique
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Wonderful serigraph in color on black light cardboard, created circa 1970's. By French/Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely, considered the father of Op Art. This work is in excellent co...
Paper
Victor Vasarely for Éditions du Griffon Serigraphy "VP-RB" , Switzerland 1974
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Naples, IT
Screen print series "Vega" by Victor Vasarely of kinetic and abstract geometric art that uses optical illusions to give the impression of depth and movement. The composition feature...
Paper
Victor Vasarely (1906–1997) - Tea-Ur NB - Color silkscreen on paper - 1984
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Varese, IT
Color silkscreen on paper, edited in 1984. Limited edition, numbered as 15/100 in lower left corner. Hand signed in pencil by artist in the lower right corner. Paper size: 60 x 57...
Silk, Paper, Screen
Victor Vasarely "Stri-Arct-2" 1975 Op Art Serigraph, Hand Signed & Numbered
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Miami, FL
VICTOR VASARELY – "STRI-ARCT-2" ⚜ Serigraph ⚜ Hand Signed and Numbered ⚜ Edition of 250 (Total 300) ⚜ Conservation Framed GEOMETRIC VIBRATIONS IN COLOR Created in 1975, “Stri-Arct-2...
Screen
Square Print Optical Pop Art Victor Vasarely Attributed, 1970s
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Square print optical Pop Art Victor Vasarely attributed 1970s.
Paper
Colourful serigraph called Genum by op-art artist Vasarely
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Oostende, BE
Colourful serigraph called 'Genum' by op-art artist Vasarely. The artwork is signed and is E.A.2 (épreuve d'artiste = artist's proof).
Paper
