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 for Éditions du Griffon Silkscreen print "BABEL 3" , Switzerland 1970s
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Naples, IT
This silkscreen print by Victor Vasarely (1906-1997), titled BABEL 3, is from the Progressions I folio published and printed by Editions du Griffon, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Founded...
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 Attributed Group of 48 Rosenthal Tiles
By Victor Vasarely, Rosenthal
Located in Naples, IT
Group of 48 Rosenthal tiles, 25 in black biscuit porcelain and 23 in white biscuit porcelain, Studio Linie collection.
Porcelain
Backlit Mirror with Optical Screen Printing, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Backlit Mirror with Optical Serigraphs, Italy 1970s. This mirror is not only a functional object, but a true sculptural element, featuring an abstract optical motif embossed on its s...
Steel
SPACE STRUCTURE - Enrico Nicu for Studio Zero Milan Serigraphy on Steel
By Studio Zero
Located in Naples, IT
Screen printing on multiple 96/100 steel, Title "Spatial Structure" signed on the back by Enrico Nicu, a production of Studio Zero, a well-known Italian graphic and design studio fo...
Steel
PROSPECTIVE - Siro Covey for Studio Zero Milan Serigraphy on Steel, Italy 19
By Studio Zero
Located in Naples, IT
Screen printing on multiple 2/100 steel, Title "Perspective" signed on the back by Siro Covey, a production of Studio Zero, a well-known Italian graphic and design studio founded in...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Fine Art Print by Victor Vasarely, Opart Print, 70s
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Lucija, SI
Opart print by Victor Vasarely. The print and the frame are from the 70s. In good condition. Signed Dimensions 51x51x2cm Hungarian-born Victor Vasarely is known as a founder of Opt...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mid Century Modern Victor Vasarely Fine Art Print, Opart Print, 70s
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Lucija, SI
Opart print by Victor Vasarely. The print and the frame are from the 70s. In good condition. Signed Dimensions 51x51x2cm Hungarian-born Victor Vasarely is known as a founder of Opt...
Glass, Wood, 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 Vasaerly lithograph is in very good vintage condit...
Paper
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 "Tridim" 1968 Lithograph, Signed, 56/300
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Toledo, OH
Victor Vasarely "Trimdim" 1968 Lithograph, Signed, 56/300 and has a blind stamp. Circa 1968, Titled "Tridim". Victor Vasarely’s complex paintings and s...
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
