About the Artist

Patrick Rubinstein was born in Paris in 1960, during a era buzzing with British rock, American cinema, and the explosion of pop culture. Growing up in a family with a deep appreciation for art, he inherited his passion for cinema from his mother and his inventive spirit from his father — who also introduced him to the fascinating world of kinetic art. These early influences proved decisive, shaping an artistic vision that would sit at the crossroads of science, optical illusion, and popular culture.

At just 18 years old, Rubinstein sold his first artwork, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to pushing the boundaries of perception. Inspired by the pioneering figures of Op Art and Kinetic Art — Victor Vasarely, Bridget Riley, and Yaacov Agam — he was captivated by the way geometric lines, shapes, and color could create the illusion of movement and challenge the limits of human vision. Yet where his predecessors favored abstraction, Rubinstein took a different path: one rooted in figuration, pop culture, and the stories of our time.

Over the years, he perfected a groundbreaking technique that earned him the title of founder of the Kinetic Op Art movement. His process involves cutting images into strips and mounting them on an accordion-folded pyramidal support, creating works in relief that present an extraordinary visual phenomenon: from the front, two images overlap and coexist, but as the viewer moves, each image disappears and reappears in turn, as if the artwork itself is alive. A second process, known as the "Three Views" concept, introduces a third image visible from the opposite angle, multiplying the layers of discovery. Crucially, this technique is entirely non-digital — crafted by hand with the precision and care of a goldsmith.

Rubinstein's subject matter draws deeply from the icons and cultural landmarks of the second half of the 20th century — Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol's aesthetic, street art energy, the glamour of Hollywood, the spirit of rock and roll — all filtered through his own joyful, optimistic lens. His compositions are described as possessing an "anarchic madness," where a multitude of elements collide in vibrant harmony, reflecting a vision of the world that is resolutely positive and full of life. Gold leaf plays a significant role in many works, adding luminosity and a new kinetic dimension as the perception of each piece shifts with the intensity and direction of light.

His work has been acquired by prestigious collectors around the world, including King Mohamed VI of Morocco, fashion designers, and international sports stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Yannick Noah. He has collaborated with world-renowned architect and designer Philippe Starck, and his paintings have been exhibited in leading galleries across Europe, North America, and beyond. In recent years, he was invited to exhibit at Dalí Paris in Montmartre — a fitting pairing, as both artists shared a deep passion for optical games, double images, and the art of confounding perception.

Today, Patrick Rubinstein continues to explore new horizons from his studio in Paris, experimenting with shapes, colors, materials, and movement — and occasionally pushing his kinetic vision into the realm of sculpture. His art invites every viewer to become an active participant, moving through space to unlock new images, new meanings, and new emotions. In his own words: "A work of art is emotion… and emotion is what touches our deepest self."