Patrick Rubinstein's kinetic art captivates with its interplay of motion and optical illusions. Working within the realm of Op Art, or optical art, he manipulates perceptions and deceives the senses with mesmerizing effects. His work, known for its strong pop art character, draws inspiration from Surrealism, Street art, and the Renaissance.
Born in Paris in 1960, Rubinstein was introduced to the works of Victor Vasarely, Bridget Riley, and Yaacov Agam—leading figures in the Op Art and Kinetic Art movements—by his father. These styles, prominent in the 1960s, transform static images into dynamic, living artworks. At a young age, Rubinstein was fascinated by these artists’ use of geometric lines, shapes, and vibrant colors to create the illusion of movement and challenge human perception. Their work continues to influence him deeply.
Rubinstein began his artistic journey as a teenager, initially creating portraits of his relatives. Over time, he developed a unique style that blends creativity, innovation, and science. While his artistic role models often focused on abstraction, Rubinstein explores the figurative, reappropriating icons of pop culture from the late 20th century and presenting them in various facets. His work, inspired by Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana, resonates with a wide contemporary audience, evoking collective memories of shared popular culture.
an innovative technique
Rubinstein’s meticulous technique yields stunning results. He employs what he calls the "double principle," fusing two images to blend into one, and the "triple principle," depicting three images individually—one centrally and two laterally. His innovative process involves sectioning a lamella of a picture, intercalating it with another, and gluing the reconstructed image onto a support folded like a concertina. This method creates a relief work where, from the front, the picture appears double with two overlapping photos. However, from different perspectives, only one of the two images appears, offering a 3D experience that allows viewers to see multiple works in one.
Though not digital, Rubinstein's technique uses layers and angles to create a kinetic effect. The image changes according to the viewer’s movement, making each viewing experience personal and unique. His dynamic and ever-evolving kinetic universe continues to push creative limits, earning him international recognition.
Rubinstein has collaborated with high-profile figures like renowned architect and designer Philippe Starck, and his works are displayed globally. By 2013, just five years after selling his first work to Durot, Rubinstein was ranked among the top 100 rated French artists. In 2020 alone, his work was featured in six galleries, including solo shows at The Bel Air Fine Art galleries in Place des Vosges and rue de Rivoli in Paris.
His groundbreaking images are cherished by fashion designers, royalty, and sports stars, and are part of prestigious collections worldwide, including that of King Mohamed IV of Morocco.
Explore our collection of Patrick Rubinstein art on our website or visit our gallery for a full, real-life experience of his works.
