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.
Lithograph Jos Decordier "Compositie met twee figuren" numbered 2/20
Located in London, England
Lithograph Jos Decordier "Composition with two figures" numbered 2/20, framed with dimensions of 57 x 43 cm, and without frame, it measures 40 x 26 cm. This captivating artistic crea...
Paper
Olivier De Schrijver Moon Coffee Table, Limited Edition, Belgium, 1990
By Olivier De Schrijver
Located in London, England
The coffee table "Moon" by Olivier De Schrijver, from the limited series "Couleurs du Monde", is an exceptional piece that was created in Belgium around 1990. With only 24 copies mad...
Metal, Chrome
Nesting Tables by Pierre Vandel, Vintage Blue Lacquered Metal, 1970s
By Pierre Vandel
Located in London, England
This set of 3 nesting tables, designed by designer Pierre Vandel in the 1970s, are an excellent example of contemporary style. Made of blue lacquered metal, they are distinctive with...
Aluminum
Asymmetrical Covered Vase by Gabrielle Mackiewicz, France, Circa 1960
By Gabrielle Mackiewicz
Located in London, England
Cette œuvre se distingue par sa forme organique, sa ligne asymétrique et sa poignée élancée spectaculaire. Le décor émaillé, caractéristique du style de l'artiste, propose un motif g...
Enamel
Ovo Magazine Rack by Stamp, Fiberglass, Space Age Design, France, 1970
Located in London, England
The magazine rack "Ovo" by Stamp, distributed by Branex, is an iconic example of Age space design, combining aesthetics and functionality. Made of fiberglass, it is distinguished by ...
Fiberglass
Hubert Olivier Table Lamp, Ceramic, Art Deco Style, France, 1980
Located in London, England
Large ceramic lamp by Hubert Olivier, France, 1980. It is 47 cm high without lampshade and 30 cm in diameter, decorated with beautiful patterns and colors in the Art Deco style, high...
Ceramic
Victor Vasarely Lithograph
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Artist: Victor Vasarely Medium: Lithograph Movement/Style: Modern Signed and Numbered : 133/250 Condition: This Victor Vasaerly lithograph is in very good vintage condit...
Paper
Victor Vasarely Signed and Numbered Silk Screen Lithograph
By Victor Vasarely
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautiful silk screen litho is signed and numbered 209 of 250. Frame is original to period. Psychedelic patterns that emerge from early computational experiments parallel Optica...
Glass, Paper
Victor Vasarely Lithograph
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Artist: Victor Vasarely Medium: Lithograph Movement/style: Modern Signed and numbered : 133/250 Condition: This Victor Vasarely lithograph...
Paper
Victor Vasarely Limited Edition Op Art Lithograph, Signed and Numbered
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Miami, FL
Victor Vasarely (French-Hungarian 1908 - 1997) lithograph on paper, optical art illusion with cubes. The work is signed and numbered in pencil and maintains original aluminum frame. ...
Aluminum
Victor Vasarely Lithograph
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Artist: Victor Vasarely Medium: Lithograph Movement/Style: Modern Signed and Numbered : 133/250 Condition: This Victor Vasaerly lithograph is in very good vintage condit...
Paper
Victor Vasarely (1906–1997) - Coloured print
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Print by renowned artist Victor Vasarely, a leading pioneer of Op Art. The composition is structured around four geometric modules, each exploring optical effects of volume, movement...
Paper
