Striking for their geometric patterns, bold colors, and repetition of form, printed textiles from the 1970s show various contemporary influences, including the Op Art movement and the increasing role of computers in daily life. Their linearity and precision also reflect advancements in textile printing technology.

“Optical Effects: 1970s Printed Textiles” features a selection of fabrics, mainly produced for leading British textile firm Heal’s Fabrics, that illustrate the dynamism and gradation of color that characterize this decade. The exhibition includes approximately ten graphically striking textiles from the MIA’s collection, with several by top designer Barbara Brown.