1978
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.
Abstract Composition - Screen Print by V. Vasarely - 1980s
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract composition is an artwork realized by Victor Vasarely (1906 Pecs - 1997 Annet-sur-Marne) in 1980. Silkscreen on paper. Signed lower right, numbered lower. h 48 x 45 cm ...
Screen
Kandahar Screen Print, Op Art, Signed, Edition of 100, 1955
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Roma, IT
Kandahar is a contemporary artwork realized by Victor Vasarely in 1955. Screen print on wove paper after a painting of 1951. Hand signed and numbered on the lower margin. Edition ...
Screen
Tecoma Lithograph by Victor Vasarely, Op Art, Signed, 1972, Framed
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Roma, IT
Tecoma is a wonderful colored lithograph with a black, blue, pink abstract composition realized by Victor Vasarely in 1972. The plate is from the portfolio Octal edited by Bruckmann...
Lithograph
Silver Composition - Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
By Victor Debach
Located in Roma, IT
Screen print on paper realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 100. Excellent condition.
Screen
Blue Composition - Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
By Victor Debach
Located in Roma, IT
Blue Composition is an original contemporary artwork realized by Victor Debach in the 1970s. Mixed colored screen print on paper. Hand signed on the lower right margin. Numbered o...
Screen
Blue Composition - Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
By Victor Debach
Located in Roma, IT
Blue Composition in a screenprint realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. 50x70 cm. Limited edition of 100. Handsigned in pencil on the right lower margin. Excellent condition.
Screen
Untitled (Geometric Structure), Victor Vasarely
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Victor Vasarely (1908-1997) Title: Untitled (Geometric Structure) Year: 1975 Medium: Silkscreen on handmade paper Edition: E.A.; 250 Size: 21.65 x 22.83 inches Condition: Exc...
Screen
Jalons VI, Serigraph on Paper, Op Art, Hand Signed, Edition of 250, 1986
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph on paper from Jalons portfolio. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Image size 25.75 x 24.5 inches. Sheet size 33.25 x 29.75 inches. From the main edition of 250. Add...
Paper, Screen
Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) - Louisiana I - Color screen print on paper - 1983
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Varese, IT
Color screen print on paper, edited in 1983 . Limited edition, numbered 174/275 in the lower left corner. Hand-signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right corner. Plate size: ...
Paper, Screen
Rare 1960s Victor Vasarely offset lithograph poster, Op Art print
By Victor Vasarely
Located in New York, NY
Victor Vasarely Rare 1960s Victor Vasarely poster, 1967 Offset lithograph 35 × 19 1/4 inches Unframed, unsigned Published by London Arts Group Rare 1967 offset lithograph The work...
Lithograph, Offset
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
Geometric Screenprint Poster by Victor Vasarely 1975
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Long Island City, NY
An original silkscreen poster "avant le lettre" by Victor Vasarely for an exhbition at Editions Lahumiere, Paris.
Screen
In the 1960s and '70s, the hypnotic creations of Op artists went mainstream and influenced the look of pop culture.
From discovering new mediums to supporting rising talents, there are many good motives for building a collection of meaningful works. Learn the hows and whys of art collecting with our guide.
