Bridget Riley
Bridget Riley
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Overview
"Focusing isn’t just an optical activity; it is also a mental one."
- Bridget Riley
Bridget Riley, a pioneering figure in the Op Art movement, has transformed the way audiences experience optical and chromatic effects. Born in Norwood, London, in 1931, she spent her early years in Cornwall and Lincolnshire before studying at the Royal College of Art. Initially working in a semi-Impressionist style, Riley’s approach took a revolutionary turn in the 1960s with her exploration of geometric patterns that disrupt visual perception. Her groundbreaking work Movement in Squares (1961) marked the start of her journey into Op Art, a genre defined by its dizzying, kinetic effects on the viewer’s eye.
In 1967, Riley introduced color into her work with the *Stripes* series, expanding her compositions into vibrant fields of visual tension and movement. This shift allowed her to examine the interaction of hues, with each piece becoming a study in the dynamic potential of color and form. Her work’s distinct energy attracted attention across disciplines, including fashion, but Riley maintained her commitment to painting, further cementing her status as one of Britain’s most innovative artists.
Throughout her career, Riley has continued to evolve, engaging viewers in the physical experience of looking. Major exhibitions, including her first solo show at the Hayward Gallery in 1971 and a retrospective there nearly 50 years later, have celebrated her enduring impact. Spanning over seven decades, Riley’s work is a testament to her mastery of optical phenomena, solidifying her legacy as a central figure in modern art.
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Series
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