Thinking of Op Art usually conjures up ‘60s fashions and geometric pattern paintings in psychedelic colors. But until June 30^th, a series of nine stainless steel sculptures whose optical illusions are warping perceptions of form and space are jazzing up Park Avenue between 51^st and 67^th Streets.

Created by Miami-based sculptor Rafael Barrios, the brilliantly painted geometric forms, some over 20 feet high, trick the eye into believing in their solid, geometric forms. They seem so massive, in fact, that it’s hard to imagine why gravity hasn’t pulled the tilting cubes and rods tumbling down. The trompe l’oeil effect, however, comes through the subtle bending of the steel plates and the shadow effect the artist has created in his use of grayed-down shades of the paint colors. Photos: Peggy Roalf

Rafael Barrios (b. 1947) was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and raised in Venezuela. He studied art and philosophy at New York University. He currently lives and works between Miami, Paris and Caracas. During an artistic career of almost 40 years, Barrios has participated in over one hundred solo and group exhibitions. His work is found in prominent museum and institutional collections such as the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto; the Sofía Imber Contemporary Museum of Art and the Galeria de Arte Nacional, both in Caracas, Venezuela; as well as the Museum of Outdoor Sculptures in Spain. His sculptures are also found in important private collections such as Gustavo and Patricia Cisneros, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis of Germany.

The installation is presented under the auspices of The Fund for Park Avenue Sculpture Committee and New York City’s Department of Parks & Recreation, who work together to present a variety of exhibitions by renowned artists on this unique venue. Last year, Will Ryman's colossal roses were in place for the spring season. See DART.

Editor's Note: This just in:
Saturday, April 7th, opening reception, 3-5 pm: Leigh Wells | Remains. Gregory Lind Gallery, 49 Geary Street, Floor Five, San Francisco, CA.

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