What do math students, fashion, military planes, neuroscientists, and baseball players have in common?

Most of us have encountered Op Art at some point in life, whether we realized it or not. Op Art also called optical
art - is a specific group of optical illusions. The main purpose of this art is to deceive the eye through mysterious illusions of space, depth, movement, light and shadow. Op Art utilizes some general qualities to achieve its mindbending goal: Abstract (no subject) - the rules used by the viewer's eye and brain to try to make sense of the visual image are themselves the "subject" of the artwork! Geometrical - providing great examples of how our 3d minds try to find order out of sometimes confusing and disorderly 2d images. From vision, to the brains complex processing, to individuals experience that gives meaning to this processing - any and all can lead to faulty perceptions. Repetition of simple forms and colors to create vibrant effects - manipulating the rules of perspective, and capable of creating movement or color where there is none. Color Color placement and manipulation can change the color and intensity seen, appear to create new colors, an echo of a color, or an after image, and create apparent movement. Art is the most beautiful of all lies. observed French composer Claude Debussy. While Op Arts lies of illusion are well known to entertain the eye and perplex the mind, are deeper truths we can discover within the illusions? Could this deceptive art have hidden lessons, uses and influences beyond what we would imagine?

Come explore the amazing world of Op Art >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Maurits Cornelis (M.C.) Escher Dutch (1898-1972)

Circle Limit IV (Heaven and Hell)

July 1960 Woodcut in black and taupe on laid japan paper

Which did you see first, angels or devils?

This illusion confuses our perception by offering a figure and background as both equally good alternatives. This creates ambiguity two different meanings. Our minds can actually flip back and forth from seeing Eschers work as white angels on a black background to devils on white, though we can only perceive one reality at a time. M.C. Escher is considered a pioneer of mathematical art, and arguably a prototype for Op Art. Architectural student turned artist, Escher was fascinated with understanding mathematical ideas in order to use them in his art. Many of his prints are brilliant visual representations for abstract mathematical concepts and some of Eschers own mathematical research anticipated later discoveries by mathematicians. Circle Limit IV is a tessellation (the process of tiling a two-dimensional plane using the repetition of a geometric shape with no overlaps or gaps.) Today the study and creation of Op Art is integrated with math curriculums in schools across the U.S. and has been observed to help improve math grades, motor skills, and communication skills. Eschers process for creating his tessellations is used today to create seamless tiling on the web and computer generated backgrounds. Software to create Op Art is now available, making it easy for anyone to create their own works of art!

Bridget Riley English (b. 1931)

Cataract 3
1967 Emulsion PVA on linen, 221.9 x 222.9 cm

The Op Art movement can you feel it?

The movement in this piece is caused by rhythm and repetition. Unlike black and white optics that depended on the disruption of stable elements, the perception of color is relative each color affects and is affected by the colors next to it. The color groupings affect the spaces between them to produce fleeting glimpses of other colors, and the alteration of large and small areas of negative (dark) space within the composition generates the illusion of motion. Bridget Riley gained international notice at MOMAs 1965 exhibition The Responsive Eye and remains a major proponent of Op Art. Although she investigated many areas of perception, her work is not based on theory, but instinctive - guided by what she sees with her own eyes. Optical illusions can play a major role in clinical conditions dealing with such as organic psychoses or migraines. Links between Op Art and psychological research have been established, in particular with Gestalt theory and with discoveries in psychophysiology. Ambiguous pictures have been used in perception Theory of Mind studies in children with intellectual disabilities. Op Art is used in some hypnotherapy to purposely change the patients psychological state, as well as in therapy for depression and other psychological conditions.

Akiyoshi Kitaoka Japanese (b. 1961 ) Rotating Snakes Sept. 2, 2003 Digital (computer generated)

This one should have your head spinning!

There is no actual movement going on in this piece. The red snake tongues are there to verify this for the skeptical. The illusion is attributed to peripheral drift - one observes apparent rotation of the figures in the peripheral field. Looking at any particular spot stops the motion. Researchers dont yet understand exactly what causes the illusion, but have observed that processing related to the perception appears to take place in specific areas of the brain. Rotating Snakes was computer generated by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, PhD Ed., Professor at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Kitaoka creates his own Op Art illusions in part to help further his research in the psychological and neurophysiological study of visual illusions. Though not of the classic Op Art era, Kitaokas art represents the growing collection of computer generated (digital) optical art. Dr. Kitaoka is just one of an increasing number of scientists and educators using Op Art to study and understand the processes involved with vision and perception. Studying the mismatch between perception and reality may lead to a deeper understanding of the mind. Op Art has been used in numerous scientific studies on depth perception and optical motion.

Human Perception Lab UCLA

Tim Stapel German (b. 1979)

4x4 #2
2009 Collage: Gouache on paper, 61.5 x 61.5 cm.

I see 2d hexagonsno, wait, I see 3d cubesno wait

Confused by what you are seeing? Dont feel alone even computers have a hard time with disparities in visual and conceptual space. When the eyes send an unclear message to the brain, the brain manipulates the message to agree with a known concept. It can fill in what it thinks is missing information or can ignore information that doesnt agree with the known concept. Thus, you may see many different shapes and perspectives as your brain manipulates this painting. Tim Stapel has developed a technique of creating geometric forms. By folding a basic grid, he produces a group of individual shapes that still have a specific relationship to each other . Through simple arrangements of the individual elements, countless different larger structures can be created. New scientific discoveries through the study of optical illusions and principles exploited in Op Art are being applied in studies to improve manned and robotic guidance and control. Lottolab Studios, founded by Dr. Beau Lotto (neuroscientist and artist), is pioneering studies in perception with applications in robotics, human sight and nature. The lab is located within Londons Science Museum uniting science, the arts and education in one space. The same mathematics and visual principles used in Op Art, as well as the art itself, are being presented in new theories on robotic vision.

Victor Vasarely Hungarian French (1908-1997)

Feny
1963 Acrylic on canvas

Coming or going?
Though optical illusions have been around for millennia, The Op Art movement had its official start the New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) 1965 exhibition The Responsive Eye. Though the movement itself had a short life span, about 3 years, the Op Art style continues to influence modern art, science and design. Victor Vasarely is internationally recognized as one of the most important artists of the 20th century and leader of the Op Art movement. His innovations in color and optical illusion have had a strong influence on many modern artists, and his works are included in almost every major museum in the world that has a collection of contemporary art. Both the British and American military used Dazzle camouflage paint designs on their planes and ships beginning in 1918. The se optical art designs were used to perplex the enemy by confusing their ability to judge distance and direction of movement of the vessels. Op Art techniques and principles have also been applied in designing new military camouflage for both equipment and uniforms.

Carlos Cruz-Diez Venezuelan, (b.1923)

Induccin Cromtica Centrada

2010 Acrylic on canvas, 180 x 60 cm

How many colors do you see?

Would you be surprised to find out this painting was made with only four colors? (And probably not the colors you may think!) Surprise! This painting includes only four actual paint colors blue, orang, green and black. Carlos Cruz-Diezs process of Induction Chromatique (Chromatic Induction) is closely related to the phenomenon of after image, or retinal persistence. In other words, after gazing at a green colored plane for a length of time, the retina of the eye will retain (even after it looks away) an image of the plane, but in red; which is the induced color or complementary color. The colors that appears are and are not they have a virtual existence but are as real as the pigments used!! You can see Carlos Cruz-Diezs artwork, in a big way, right here in Florida. Cruz-Diez designed the colorful walkways for the new Miami Marlins baseball stadium. The tiled walkways illusions were created using the same Chromatic Induction process described above. Optical illusions have been used to help athletes (baseball players and golfers) in visualizing a larger target (the ball or the hole) in order to improve performance. The official logo and graphics of the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico were done in Op Art style. Speaking of the Olympics, Op Art showed up the 2012 games in backdrop designs, athlete uniforms - diving, volleyball, and gymnastics - and even spectator wear.

Julie Oppermann American (b. 1982)

Moir 1113
2011 Acrylic on canvas, 72 x 78 inches

Want to see some moir?

No, this is not a picture of your grandmas old curtains. It is an example of a moir (pronounced mwAR-ay) pattern a rippled, water-like look. When two sets of lines are superimposed at an angle of less than thirty degrees, a moir is created. Moirs are not new the Japanese were aware of them centuries ago in their shimmering water silks. Julie Oppermanns moir paintings explore visual perception by using interface patterns and color to highlight the subjective nature of experience. She draws from her background in neuroscience, interest in perception and cognition, and study in Color Theory to manipulate the artistic lines and the viewers mind. You may have noticed the moir effect on TV when viewing someone who is wearing a tightly striped or strong checkered pattern. Op Art designs can be found throughout the fashion world including womens wear, mens ties, purses, shoes, swim suits, board shorts, Tshirts and high fashion. Designers such as ETRO, Coach, Stella McCartney, Adidas, and Alexander McQueen are using Op Art designs in their product lines. The Woolmark trademark logo for wool, launched in 1964 and now a universally recognized symbol, could be considered Op Art.

Isia Leviant Israelian (1914 2006)

Enigma
1981 Painting, details unknown

A scintillating mystery
If you havent by now, start by staring at the center of this figure. Youll soon see some scintillating effect in the blue and violet circles. Do you see a circular motion in the three circles? Enigma is a good name for this visual optical illusion. Scientist still do not agree on the cause(s) of this illusion, attributing it partly to micro-saccades (small rapid eye movements), but they are still unclear as to what brain processes link the eye movements and the perception of the illusion. The continued fascination with optical art and illusions is obvious in its widespread use in design and advertising. The Official Ferrari Magazine s March 2012 issue includes an article on the revitalization of Op Art, with photos of op-ed out Ferrari cars. Op art can been found in furniture, jewelry, clothing, fabrics and bedding, kitchenware, beauty care products, corporate logos, CD/album covers, cars, wine bottles, motorcycle helmets, sunglasses and accessories, surf and snow boards, book covers and liners, and countless other everyday items. WARNING: Once you start looking for optical art, you may see it everywhere!!!

Jim Lambie Scottish (b.1964) The Strokes 2008 Vinyl tape installation in the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, Scotland

Thinking outside the box

Not all Op Art hangs on the wall. The floor you see in this photo IS the art! Jim Lambie, a contemporary visual artist, created this Op Art floor with vinyl tape. While the style and general design remains the same for each of his pieces, each installation of a piece is uniquely adapted to the space it is given.
Likewise, Op Art has also been an inspiration for, as well as used in modern architecture. Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, incorporated a larger-than-life exhibit of contemporary art into its design. Included is a 40 x 96 foot wall of vacuum-formed styrene, that brings Op Art alive in 3-D. This untitled work by award-winning artist Jim Isermann can be located on the stadiums NW ramp. (see 1st thumbnail below) OpArt, a residential development in Toronto, Canada, was designed by award-winning architect Stephen Teeple. Inspired by the Op Art movement of the '60s, the buildings are covered in varying sizes of glass windows to create the Op Art feel, and balconies pop in and out of the structure to create movement. (see 2nd thumbnail below) The Kiral apatment building in Colonia Jurez, Mexico City, Mexico is an exceptional example of Op Art architecture! (see 3rd thumbnail below) The Kaohsiung Star Place, Kaohsiung, Taiwan is a luxury shopping plaza which displays the moir illusion in its faade. (see 4th thumbnail below)

Lawrence (Larry) Poons American (b.1937)

Sunnyside Switch
1963 Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 80 inches

Op Art a genuine reality check!

Depending on which area of this painting you gaze at, and how long you gaze, some of the dots will disappear from view and then reappear. Every time it is viewed the experience will be different. Op Art dares us to look deeper into what we consider reality. Is reality the same for everyone? Is reality based on what we see,? Created by what we think? Created by what our experiences have been? Op Art surrounds us. It partners with science, design, other arts, and its viewers daily to entertain, educate, and inspire.

As far as I know, there is no proof whatever of the existence of an objective reality apart from our senses, and I do not see why we should accept the outside world as such solely by virtue of our senses M.C. Escher Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. Albert Einstein

You can continue your Op Art experience by visiting these intriguing websites:
The Responsive Eye Video travel back in time to the 1960s in this time capsule of a news video with Mike Wallace on the opening of MOMAs Op Art exhibit . You can find it on YouTube in 3 parts.

Dr. Beau Lotto on TED talk - check out www.ted.com for this interactive presentation by neuroscientist Beau Lotto (of Lottolab Studios), and enter his mind-blowing study of optical illusions and our perceptions of reality!

Op Art website - A great site for overall Op Art info can be found at http://www.op-art.co.uk/

Victor Vaserely Hungarian (1908-1997)

Torony-Nagy
1969 Acrylic on Canvas

Bach, Michael. "Optical Illusions and Visual Phenomena." Prof. Michael Bach. Michael Bach, 30 June 2012. Web. 01 Aug. 2012. <http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/>. Bach, Michael, and Charlotte M. Poloschek. "Optical Illusions." ACNR (Advances in Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation) 6.2 (2006): 20-21. Web. 08 July 2012. <http://www.acnr.co.uk/pdfs/ volume6issue2/v6i2visual.pdf>. Barrett, Cyril. Op Art. New York: The Viking Press, 1970. Book. Beatrice, Luca. "Op Art, Op Cars." The Official Ferrari Magazine 16 Mar. 2012: n. pag. Ferrari S.P.A., 24 July 2012. Web. 01 Aug. 2012. <http://magazine.ferrari.com/blog/2012/07/op-art-op-cars/>. Bloomer, Carolyn M. Principles of Visual Perception. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1976. Book. Cycleback, David R. "About Visual Illusions, Optical Illusions, Cognitive Biases and Human Perception." About Visual Illusions, Optical Illusions, Cognitive Biases and Human Perception. Cycleback, n.d. Web. 17 July 2012. <http://www.cycleback.com/conceits.html>. Griggs, Jessica. "Windows To The Mind." New Scientist 207.2778 (2010): 02. Academic Search Complete. Web. 06 July 2012. Jackson, Joab. ""Virtual Robots" Befuddled by Optical Illusions." National Geographic News. National Geographic Society, 10 Nov. 2007. Web. 01 Aug. 2012. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/ news/2007/10/071011-robot-illusion.html>. Kelley, Robert S., Ph.D. "Optical Illusions and Augmented Graphics for Manned and Robotic Guidance and Control." Thesis. Rice University, 1992. Rice University-digital Scholarship Archive. Rice University, 1992. Web. 01 Aug. 2012. <http://scholarship.rice.edu/bitstream/handle/1911/16564/9234417.PDF?sequence=1>. Kitaoka, Akiyoshi. "From Psychology to Real Life: Envisaging the Practical Application of Visual Illusions." Ritsumeikan University. Ritsumeikan Univ., n.d. Web. 06 July 2012. <http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/research/r-giro/eng/projects/human/visual_illusion.html/>.

Luckiesh, Matthew. Visual Illusions: Their Causes, Characteristics and Applications. New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1992. Visualillusions. Biowaves LLC. Web. 06 July 2012. Malm, Henrik. Studies in Robotic Vision, Optical Illusions and Nonlinear Diffusion Filtering. Thesis. Diss. Lund : Univ., 2003., 2003. Lund: KFS AB, 2003. Centre for Mathematical Sciences-Lund University. Lund University. Web. 01 Aug. 2012. <http://www.maths.lth.se/matematiklth/personal/ henrik/malmthesis.pdf>. Martinez-Conde, Susana, and Stephen L. Macknik. "Art as Visual Research: 12 Examples of Kinetic Illusions in Op Art: Scientific American Slideshows." Art as Visual Research: 12 Examples of Kinetic Illusions in Op Art: Scientific American Slideshows. Scientific American, Inc., 18 Nov. 2008. Web. 01 July 2012. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow.cfm?id=art-as-visualresearch>. Parola, Rene. Optical Art: Theory and Practice. New York: Reinhold Book Corp, 1969. Book. Ramachandran, Vilayanur S., and Diane Rogers-Ramachandran. "Paradoxical Perceptions. (Cover Story)." Scientific American Special Edition 18.2 (2008): 70-73. Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 July 2012. Seckel, Al. Masters of Deception: Escher, Dali & the Artists of Optical Illlusions. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 2004. Book. Smith, Spencer L., and Ikuko T. Smith. "Life Imitates Op Art." Nature Neuroscience 14.7 (2011): 803804. Academic Search Complete. Web. 05 July 2012.