The artwork titled “Meandres Belle-Isle,” created by Victor Vasarely in 1951, is an oil painting exemplifying the Op Art movement. This abstract piece measures 150 x 102 cm. The work prominently features Op Art’s signature visual style through its use of geometric and often illusionary patterns.
The artwork is characterized by a meticulous arrangement of shapes that create a sense of depth and movement. Predominantly using a palette of black, white, and shades of gray, the piece depicts a series of interlocking organic forms that resemble patterns found in nature, such as a field of stones or cells under a microscope. The shapes are variably sized and intricately assembled to produce a dynamic, undulating visual effect. At the top and bottom of the composition, two large, rounded shapes anchor the design, creating a balanced tension with the central mesh-like configuration. The piece exemplifies Vasarely’s exploration of optical illusions and his ability to engage viewers in a visual interaction with the artwork’s rhythmic patterns.