What's Op?

During the early 1960's a fateful convergence between mod fashion and the Op art movement happened. The explosion of this style was so fast and so popular that often times, people don't realize that the artists creating the original work were never recognized. In fact most of them were completely against the commercial exploitation of their work.

Bridget Riley, the op artist who created the image above, tried to sue a well-known designer for infringement after seeing one of her designs on his dresses, but was sadly, unsuccessful.

textile designed by Barbara Brown for Heals

There were however, a few textile companies during the 1960's such as Heal's, Edinburgh Weavers and Hull Traders that commissioned and credited artists who designed textile prints. These fabrics were used in furniture as well as fashion.

Op Art-inspired fashion did not stay en vogue long, it was preceded by the late 60's psychedelic, organic patterns. And while I firmly believe credit should be given to artists when it is due, suffice to say I have been really inspired by this Op fashion lately:

André Courrèges

For more info on Op Art

Recap: AKE ARNDT'S "SORRY I DIDN'T KNOW YOU HAD A CONITION"

Thank you everyone who came out to Ake's show on Tuesday! Thanks also to the Tin Can for holding it down as always, California666 for playing their awesome jams, and of course to Ake for putting together a killer show.
Ake's art will be up the rest of the month so go check it out!

Artist Spotlight: AKE ARNDT

Arist Ake Arndt performing as Operation:MINDBLOW

Ake Arndt’s upcoming solo exhibition, “Sorry I Didn’t Know You Had a Condition” opens Tuesday, July 9th at the Tin Can and will feature a collection of Arndt’s past work as well as several never-before-seen paintings.

Arndt has been a part of the art and local skateboarding scene for the last 15 years, his most recognizable work being a distinct collection of show and event fliers. He initially began making fliers for his own band several years ago, collaging images together by hand, but not long after other bands took an interest in his work and he began making fliers for their shows as well. Much of the fliers he creates now are vibrant digital collage that pay homage to the Surrealist, Pop, and psychedelic art movements.

Arndt’s homage to the psychedelic extends beyond 2-D artwork. He also performs in “an all analog liquid light show” known as Operation:MINDBLOW with partner Josh Bohannon. The duo produces bright, hallucinogenic backdrops for live shows with the use of overhead projectors, oils, and dyes, and have worked with several music festivals and shows in and around southern California.

In addition to the work Arndt is displaying Tuesday night at Tin Can, he will also be performing with heavy psych project California666 around 10 pm. "Sorry I Didn't Know You Had a Condition" opens July 9th at Tin Can and is sure to be a trippy and spectacular occasion. We look forward to seeing you there!



For more info, email Ake Arndt: operationmindblow@gmail.com

Check out more Ake here.