Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) was a Hungarian-French artist who is widely accepted as a �grandfather� and leader of the optical art (Op Art) movement. Vasarely studied medicine at Budapest University in his early 20s before abandoning his medical studies to pursue a career in art. While his early work was concerned with color theory, during the 1950s and 1960s his work focused on the optical potential of the two-dimensional surface. He began to use complex and colorful patterns to engage the viewer�s eye, and to convey a sense of kinetic energy across the two-dimensional surface. Vasarely developed his style of geometric abstract art, working in various materials but using a minimal number of forms and colors. His work entitled Zebra, created in the 1930s, is considered by some to be one of the earliest examples of Op Art.