op art

American  

Or Op Art

noun

1. a style of abstract art in which lines, forms, and space are organized in such a way as to provide optical illusions of an ambiguous nature, as alternately advancing and receding squares on a flat surface.

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op art British  

/ ɒp /

noun

1. a style of abstract art chiefly concerned with the exploitation of optical effects such as the illusion of movement

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Other Word Forms

• op artist noun
• op-art adjective

Etymology

Origin of op art

First recorded in 1960–65; op(tical) art

Example Sentences

“I’ve looked at op art, pattern and decoration. I’ve looked at psychedelia, I have taken part in rave culture and queer culture and drag and the whole spectrum,” Gibson said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024

The exhibit was the work of Bridget Riley, a British painter famous for her op art paintings.

From Washington Post • Jun. 27, 2022

It updates op art of the ’60s to gorgeous and ethereal effect.

From New York Times • Aug. 18, 2016

Director John Waters wore an op art patterned suit by Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2015

Inferno was elaborately storyboarded with endless tests for experimental camerawork using op art and distorted visuals to denote his lead character's obsessive jealousy.

From The Guardian • Apr. 8, 2010