Weave an Op Art illusion at Art Fusion

Richard Anuszkiewicz's mesmerizing geometric compositions of saturated bright colors are a hallmark of the Op Art movement. Inspired by his works in MOCA Jacksonville's Permanent Collection, create a paper weaving at Art Fusion in Hemming Park on Sunday, February 5.

Op Art, short for optical art, uses abstract patterns that create optical illusions. These compositions give the impression of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibrating patterns, or of swelling or warping. Anuszkiewicz alternates bright, complementary colors in geometric patterns, such as triangles, squares, or trapezoids. The effect causes the eye of the viewer to see the patterns as either receding into space or extending out of the frame. 

At Art Fusion in Hemming Park, use paper weaving to imitate the effect seen in Anuszkiewicz's works. With the help of our educators, use paper, scissors, and glue to create your own Op Art illusion. Fold and cut your base paper to achieve different optical illusions. Choose two complementary colors to weave through the holes cut in the base paper, alternating between the two. Then glue your pieces into place and admire the finished product! 

After you complete your weaving, check out two new exhibitions at MOCA Jacksonville. Children who complete an Op Art weaving receive free admission to the galleries, and Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders receive free admission during Museums on Us weeken. On the second floor, check out The Evolution of Mark-making, with work by Sol Lewitt, which recalls the work of Anuszkiewicz. Also on display is Alexander Calder's Red Triangles and Polygons, a striking example of the mobile, which Calder originated. On the third floor, see Hans Hofmann: Works on Paper, a striking exhibition featuring works generously loaned to MOCA Jacksonville from notable institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and The Museum of Modern Art. It is the first comprehensive survey of Hofmann's works on paper.