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Bridget Riley Biography
Bridget Louise Riley, born on April 24, 1931, in Norwood, London, England, is an English painter renowned for her significant contributions to the Op Art movement. Her work, characterized by vibrant optical patterns, has played a pivotal role in the development of this art form, which emerged prominently in the 1960s. Riley's childhood was spent in Cornwall and Lincolnshire, where she was deeply influenced by the natural landscapes, a theme that would subtly permeate her later abstract works.
Riley's academic journey in art began at Goldsmiths College (1949–1952), followed by studies at the Royal College of Art (1952–1955), where she earned her B.A. Initially, her artistic endeavors were rooted in impressionistic landscapes and figures. However, her exposure to the Pointillists, especially Georges Seurat, and the abstract geometries of Victor Vasarely, catalyzed a dramatic shift in her artistic direction. By 1960, Riley had begun to explore optical phenomena through geometric abstraction, creating works that produced disorienting effects on the viewer's eye, a hallmark of Op Art.
Her early career was marked by teaching roles and work in an advertising agency, but by the mid-1960s, Riley had devoted herself entirely to her art. Her participation in "The Responsive Eye" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in 1965 catapulted her to international fame, aligning her with figures like Vasarely and Yaacov Agam in the forefront of the Op Art movement. Riley's work from this period, such as "Drift No. 2" (1966) and "Nineteen Greys" (1968), exemplified her ability to manipulate black and white patterns to create illusions of movement and depth.
The late 1960s marked another significant turn in Riley's artistic exploration as she began to incorporate color into her work. This transition was not merely aesthetic but also expanded her investigation into visual perception. Her stripe paintings and later curve paintings of the 1970s, including notable works like "Gala" (1974) and "Entice 2" (1974), showcased her evolving interest in how color and form interact to create dynamic visual experiences.
Riley's extensive travels, particularly to Egypt and India, further enriched her color palette and thematic repertoire. Works such as "Achæan" (1981) and "Nataraja" (1993) reflect the influence of these cultures on her approach to color and pattern. Throughout her career, Riley has also engaged in creating large-scale murals and site-specific installations, such as "Messengers" (2019) at the National Gallery, London, demonstrating her versatility and the broad applicability of her optical explorations.
Riley's contributions to art extend beyond her visual creations. She has been a vocal advocate for artists' rights and the importance of art in public spaces. Alongside fellow artist Peter Sedgley, she founded SPACE (Space Provision Artistic Cultural and Educational) in 1968, aimed at providing affordable workspaces for artists in London. This initiative underscored her belief in the social role of art and the artist's responsibility to the community.
Over the decades, Riley's work has been celebrated in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, affirming her status as a leading figure in contemporary art. Her accolades include the International Painting Prize at the Venice Biennale (1968), the Praemium Imperiale (2003), and the appointment as a Companion of Honour (1998). Bridget Riley's enduring legacy is not only in her mesmerizing optical artworks but also in her profound impact on the perception and appreciation of abstract art. Her exploration of visual phenomena has challenged and expanded our understanding of sight, making her one of the most influential artists of her generation.
Bridget Riley Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
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professionalism.
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