Optical Artist
HAL TRAGER
Transforming perception through hand-drawn geometric precision. Where symmetry meets illusion.
The Story
Born in the Bronx and raised on Long Island, Hal's journey is as much about his roots as it is about his vision. It's a story of turning adversity into art, of seeing differently and daring others to do the same.
For Hal, his story begins with an unexpected twist of fate. At just two years old, a tragic accident left him with only 35% of his vision in the left eye. For years, young Hal believed that he saw the world like everyone else. It wasn't until he was nine years old that he realized how different his perspective truly was.
The Awakening
One day, sitting in the heart of New York City, Hal turned to his father and asked him to describe a skyscraper. His father's response was simple: "A building, a side with windows."
But Hal saw something different. To him, the building wasn't just a flat surface; it had depth, dimension, and life.
He picked up a pencil and drew what he saw—a three-dimensional structure that captured the essence of his unique vision. His sister, also an artist, said, "Who cares what he sees? He can draw it." And that was the moment Hal's journey as an artist began.
Today
Today, Hal primarily uses plastic matte film, continuing to explore the boundaries of his unique perspective. For him, being an artist means doing what no one else does, inviting others into a world where reality bends and shifts with every blink.
"This is the essence of an Op Artist—to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, to make the unseen seen."
30+
Years of Art
8+
Exhibitions
2
Countries
Journey
Timeline
A journey through Hal Trager's exhibitions and career milestones
Symmetry Unveiled
Hal's first solo exhibition, unveiling the symmetry and precision of his optical art to the Miami art scene.
October 21 - November 21, 2023
The Collective
A collective exhibition featuring diverse contemporary artists.
December 9, 2023 - January 15, 2024
Human x Machina
An exploration of the intersection between human creativity and mechanical precision.
December 4, 2023 - January 27, 2024
Art On Paper
Prestigious art fair dedicated to paper-based works at the iconic Pier 36.
September 25 - 28, 2024
Traço Contido - Hand-Drawn Optical Illusions
An intimate exhibition showcasing the hand-drawn precision of optical illusions.
May 22 - June 30, 2025
Casa Atelier Miami
Ongoing artist residency at Miami's creative hub.
August 21, 2025 - Ongoing
ExpoArt São Paulo
Hal Trager brings his optical art to São Paulo's premier art exposition.
November 2025
Intersection
A groundbreaking exhibition at Miami's iconic Moore Building during Art Basel week.
December 6, 2025 (Art Basel Week)
"Hal Trager's artistic journey spans thirty years of his life, which is a testament to the power of his hand's connection to memories and the mind's limitless potential. Through meticulous craftsmanship, he invites us to explore the delicate balance between order and chaos, symmetry and illusion."
— Jade Matarazzo