Fooling the Eye: Optics of Vasarely and Kuhn

November 9, 2023 – May 4, 2024

This exhibit explores the use of optics and perception through the artwork of Victor Vasarely and Jon Kuhn. Through the use of shading and linear elements, these ingenious works play with the illusion of movement and the relationship of color and light.

Featured Artworks

Victor Vasarely (Hungarian, 1906–1997). Kezdi (Start) , 1990. Acrylic paint on wood. 26 × 25 1/4 × 3 1/4 inches. Cafesjian Art Trust, 2022.2369.1. © 2026 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Victor Vasarely (Hungarian, 1906–1997). Kezdi (Start), 1990. Acrylic paint on wood. 26 × 25 1/4 × 3 1/4 inches. Cafesjian Art Trust, 2022.2369.1. © 2026 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Victor Vasarely (Hungarian, 1906–1997). Vega-Szebb (Vega is More Beautiful) , 1974. Acrylic paint on canvas. 51 3/8 × 51 3/8 × 7/8 inches. Cafesjian Art Trust, 2022.2370.1. © 2026 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Victor Vasarely (Hungarian, 1906–1997). Vega-Szebb (Vega is More Beautiful), 1974. Acrylic paint on canvas. 51 3/8 × 51 3/8 × 7/8 inches. Cafesjian Art Trust, 2022.2370.1. © 2026 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Jon Kuhn (American, born 1949.) Sigma 5 , 1997. Laminated and polished glass. 13 x 11 3/8 x 11 3/8 inches. Cafesjian Art Trust, 2022.1135.1. © Jon Kuhn

Jon Kuhn (American, born 1949.) Sigma 5, 1997. Laminated and polished glass. 13 x 11 3/8 x 11 3/8 inches. Cafesjian Art Trust, 2022.1135.1. © Jon Kuhn

Jon Kuhn (American, born 1949). Joseph Ribbon , 2019–2022. Laminated and polished glass; stainless steel. 23 1/2 × 16 1/8 × 21 inches. Courtesy of the artist and the Collection of Joseph Chesanow © Jon Kuhn

Jon Kuhn (American, born 1949). Joseph Ribbon, 2019–2022. Laminated and polished glass; stainless steel. 23 1/2 × 16 1/8 × 21 inches. Courtesy of the artist and the Collection of Joseph Chesanow © Jon Kuhn

People attending an art exhibition or gallery, looking at artwork and engaging in conversations, with a large colorful geometric digital or digital-inspired artwork on the wall in the background.
Three people looking at artwork in an art gallery. One woman in a leopard print jacket holding a holographic gift box, with framed abstract art on the wall behind them.
Two people, a man and a woman, are standing and looking at a display. The man is wearing glasses, a blue sweater, and light-colored pants, and appears to be explaining something to the woman. The woman has shoulder-length blonde hair, glasses, and is
An exhibit of glass art sculptures displayed on pedestals in a gallery with framed artwork in the background. A sign in the foreground reads, 'Please Do Not Cross The Line.'
A person looks at a Tim Burton statue with a pyramid shape, featuring colorful patterns and a reflective surface, displayed in an art gallery.
An art gallery display featuring colorful geometric light sculptures and paintings with geometric patterns on the wall, illuminated in a dimly lit room.
Woman with light brown hair smiling and looking at a display, standing next to a man with grey hair, both at an exhibition or event.