Artwork copyright Francis Celentano. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Francis Celentano. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Francis Celentano. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Epsilon #17, 1975

Francis Celentano
(American, born 1928, died 2016)

Location: Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

One of the pioneers of Op-Art, northwest artist Francis Celentano creates paintings and sculpture that investigate perception and color theory. Using a rich gradient of colors arranged in a repetitious striped and diagonal pattern, Epsilon #17 generates an optical illusion, compelling the viewer toward a responsive perceptual experience.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Federal Way School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Late artist Francis Celentano (1928-2016) was one of the pioneers of Op Art and a professor at the University of Washington in Seattle for thirty years. He created paintings and sculptures that investigate perception and color theory. Op Art explores how vision functions and the effect on our viewing experience as a result.