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Take a magic carpet ride back in time and experience the movement that redefined the art world. OPTIC NERVE: Perceptual Art of the 1960's will be on view exclusively at the Columbus Museum of Art, February 16 - June 17, 2007. Showcasing works by 55 international artists and collaborative groups, OPTIC NERVE includes fashion and design objects that illustrate the movement's influence on the pop culture of the 1960s. Support for OPTIC NERVE is provided by Presenting Sponsor National City.

The first comprehensive survey of Op Art by an American museum in more than twenty-five years, the exhibition examines the development and lasting influence of the international movement exploring perceptual phenomena in painting, sculpture, and light installation. Combining color and abstract patterns, the works produce optical illusions of pulsating movement through precise, mathematically-based composition.

"Op Art had a profound effect on the course of contemporary art, provoking a more interactive viewing experience," said Joe Houston, associate curator for contemporary art at the Columbus Museum of Art. "This is art that heads directly to the nervous system and draws attention to our own processes of seeing and believing. As Bridget Riley put it, 'perception is the medium.' As a result, these artists pioneered new forms of the electronic media and environmental installation that artists today commonly use to immerse viewers in a sensory experience."

Born in an era of social tension and radical change, the art of the period has become emblematic of the technological, social, and sexual revolution in an era of global change. Among the artists represented will be Josef Albers, Edna Andrade, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Tadasky (Tadasuke Kuwayama), Carlos Cruz-Diez, Ellsworth Kelly, Francois Morellet, Larry Poons, Bridget Riley, Jesus Rafael Soto, Julian Stanczak, Frank Stella, and Victor Vasarely.

An illustrated catalogue, with essays by Joe Houston and critic Dave Hickey, will be distributed worldwide by Merrell Publishing of London.

Support for OPTIC NERVE provided by the Ohio Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Design Within Reach, Supporting Sponsor and Media Sponsors Ohio Magazine and Smooth Jazz WJZA 103.5/104.3.

Download the OPTIC NERVE press release. Download row 1 left image Edna Andrade American, born 1917 Turbo 1, 1965 Oil on canvas 50 x 50 in. Museum Purchase, Derby Fund Courtesy of Locks Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Download row 1 center image Ben Cunningham American 1904-1975 Equivocation, 1964 Synthetic polymer paint on composition board 26 x 26 in. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York Larry Aldrich Foundation Fund Download row 1 right image Victor Vasarely French, born Hungary 1906-1997 Vega Or, 2006 Oil on masonite 19 3/4 x 19 in. Private Collection Courtesy of Michéle Vasarely Download row 2 left image Edna Andrade American, born 1917 Color Motion 4-64, 1964 Oil on canvas 48 x 48 in. Gift of Frederick R. McBrien III Courtesy of Locks Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Download row 2 middle image Alexander Liberman American, born Russia 1912 - 1999 Sun II, 1962 Acrylic on canvas 79 1/4 in. diameter Private Collection Courtesy of Mitchell-Inness & Nash, New York, New York Download row 2 right image Wolfgang Ludwig German, born 1923 Cinematic Painting , 1964 Oil on composition board 24 1/16 x 48 1/16 in. Private Collection Courtesy of the Artist and Sabine Ludwig Download row 3 left image Bridget Riley British, born 1931 Balm, 1964 Oil on canvas 77 1/4 x 77 1/4 in. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Tremaine Download row 3 middle image Julian Stanczak American, born Poland 1928 Concurrent Colours, 1965 Acrylic on canvas 45 x 46 in. Private Collection Courtesy of Neil K. Rector, Columbus, Ohio Download row 3 right image Tadasky (Tadasuke Kuwayama) American, born Japan 1935 C 136, 1965 Acrylic on canvas 69 x 69 in. Collection of Nancy and Dave Gill, Columbus, Ohio Courtesy of the Artist Download bottom right image Richard Anuszkiewicz American, born 1930 Plus Reversed, 2006 Oil on canvas 74 5/8 x 58 1/4 in. Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, Texas Gift of Mari and James A. Michener

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