In his review of Julian Stanczak’s show on view at MOCA Cleveland, Scene art critic Douglas Max Utter writes, “The list of art ‘stars’ living in northern Ohio is short. Briefer still is the roster of those whose accomplishments are recognized internationally. Cleveland Institute of Art emeritus professor Julian Stanczak’s status as one of the premier abstractionists in the world is unquestioned — increasingly so as the decades of his career pile up and his explorations of the optical properties of plane and color continue into ever-fresh territory.” Born in Poland, Stanczak escaped a concentration camp and wandered war-torn Europe as a teen before getting his first art training at a refugee camp in Uganda. He still paints at age 81, making op-art eye candy that’s simply fun to look at. If you haven’t seen it yet, take advantage of the holiday break to check it out. It runs through January 10 at MOCA Cleveland (8501 Carnegie Ave., 216.421.8671). Admission is $4, $3 if you’re a senior or student. — Michael Gill
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