VERTICAL HOLD

OP ART:

Development/Resonance/Influence

It is now over forty years since the term OP ART entered the lexicon of art history. Then, the movement's look of Now and its total embrace by an era hungry for flamboyant identity was a sensation, but later prevented the following generation from seeing anything but dated faddishness. Its obvious identity as a hugely influential period that produced tightly controlled and meticulously executed bravura works by a global group of unassociated exponents was, for many years, only recognised by its influence. The list of painters who briefly joined with, or were indebted to, Op, is long, distinguished and surprising. We are entering a time now, finally, where our minds are free to enjoy early Op works without the burden of preconception that used to shout as loudly as the paintings did, and to acknowledge Op's legacy where it arises in unexpected places by unexpected hands. This exhibition offers an opportunity to see a few examples from both sides of the divide.