Abstract
OP-Art was not appreciated by painters and art critics. and according1y has been forgotten in art history. But recently Op-Art is revitalized in fashion and is in its palmy days. This study intends to re-assess the value of Op-Art, by reviewing its influence on fashion design in the post-modern society To this purpose, conceptual characteristics of Op-Art was analyzed. And then, on the bases of these characteristics, the figural characteristics and the meaning of Op-Art in fashion design of post-modern society was re-explained. Op-Art is characterized as an art of flatness of picture plane which uses repetition of simple forms and colors. It is also based on trick of visual perception. Finally. it creates an impression which is flickering or vibrating by means of optical illusion. These characteristics give birth to some features such as simplicity. anonymity and mobility in the Op-Art fashion. The meanings of Op-Art in fashion design in post-modern society are as follows. First, repetition of simple units employed in Op-Art produces feeling of simplicity. which makes the Op-Art fashion works perceived as polysemy. In other words, the feeling of simplicity can be interpreted In diverse perspectives within the social context of our society. The material civilization and technology civilization, which causes the alienation and standardization of man. can be the backgrounds of the Op-Art fashion. Second, Op-Art is an art based on perspectives of spectators. Anonymity in the Op-Art fashion enhances participation of spectators. which gives Op-Art a sense of affinity. Third, through the feeling of mobility created by optical illusion techniques. the Op-Art fashion expresses the opposition to the ideal body image made by power group. In post-modern society, Op-Art in fashion gives new meaning to art. Op-Art in fashion proposes new roles of artist and spectators, and new concepts of art related with roles of human beings. Through general sensibility of men, Op-art in fashion can express new recognition of the post-modern society.