Fooling the Eye

The exhibition showcases works by Victor Vasarely, considered the grandfather of the optical art (Op Art) movement; and Jon Kuhn, one of the world’s leading glass artists. Coming from two completely different points of view—science and spirituality—the work of these two artists will create a unique physical experience for museumgoers. 

Op Art first became popular in the early 20th century, employing optical illusion — visual trickery and experimentation with shapes and colors. The French-Hungarian Vasarely was inspired by the Bauhaus movement and geometric abstraction, and his characteristic style is demonstrated in highly analytic works featuring spheres and boxes that seem to burst from the surface of each piece. Complementing and contrasting Vasarely’s pieces will be works by American artist Jon Kuhn, a modern glass sculptor who builds layers of clear and laminated glass facets that appear to magically hover inside his sculptures as they reveal themselves to the viewer. 

Running from November 9, 2023 to May 4, 2024, Fooling the Eye will feature dozens of works by the two artists showcasing a variety of materials. “Gerry Cafesjian had a passion for Vasarely and the Op Art movement— such a passion that during his lifetime he collected more than 100 pieces by this important, iconic artist,” said CAT’s executive director, Andy Schlauch. “Jon Kuhn is a living legend, and we’re thrilled to invite our guests into an artistic conversation between these two visionaries.” Mr. Kuhn is scheduled to attend events in November at the CAT Museum. More information will be available closer to the date.

Visit

Reservations for November and December will go live on September 13th at 10 a.m. central, and additional reservations will open on a rolling basis on the first of each month for the following months. Last minute openings for reservations are posted periodically on Instagram and Facebook.

The free CAT Museum is a place where scholars, art lovers, students and the public can study and enjoy a previously private world-class collection of contemporary and modern art, including a large collection of studio art glass. The museum houses more than 3000 works, including a lobby installation of Cafesjian Chandelier, 1994, by Dale Chihuly; 5000 square feet of exhibition space; a special room adjacent to the exhibition space for Pergola Ceiling, 1999, by Dale Chihuly; as well as a library and reading room. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday and open for group tours by reservation. Visitors can reserve a space on guided public tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Tours may be scheduled online at cafesjianarttrust.org or by calling 612.359.8991.

Image Right: Vega-Szebb, Victor Vasrely, 1974, acrylic paint on canvas