A Survey of Works: 1960s-2000s

Tony DeLap (b. 1927, Oakland, CA; d. 2019, Newport Beach, CA) was a pivotal figure on the West Coast and was at the nexus of significant art movements throughout his six-decade career. Recognized as a pioneer of West Coast Minimalism and Op Art, DeLap's influence extended to the development of hard-edge painting, the California Light and Space movement, and site-specific installation.

This exhibition at The Honarkar Foundation features over fifty paintings, sculptures, and drawings, and offers an opportunity to witness the evolution of DeLap's visionary oeuvre, from his pioneering "floating" sculptures of the 1960s to his mesmerizing explorations of form and illusion in the 2000s. Spanning decades, the exhibition highlights DeLap's iconic geometric forms, meticulous craftsmanship, and intriguing optical illusions, offering insight into his early studies of perception and space, as well as his later explorations of color, shape, and material.

Tony DeLap's influence extends far beyond his own artwork. As a founding faculty member and esteemed teacher at the University of California, Irvine, he inspired subsequent generations of artists and scholars, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary art landscape. This exhibition not only celebrates DeLap's remarkable achievements but also pays homage to his enduring legacy and ongoing impact on the art world.