Arcadia
4 works
Bridget Riley Fragment 5 For Sale
Bridget Riley
Fragment 5, 1965
Screenprint
24 x 31 1/2 in 61 x 80 cm
Edition
Edition of 75
About this work
Bridget Riley’s Fragment series showcases her dedication to the optical power of simplicity, presenting intricate arrangements of lines and circles in striking black and white. In this collection, Riley explores how the interaction of basic forms can evoke complex visual effects. The crisp contrasts between black and white, combined with the structured repetition of circles and lines, generate a dynamic, almost vibrating effect. By carefully calibrating the placement and orientation of each shape, Riley creates an illusion of movement and shifting depth, inviting viewers into a hypnotic experience of flickering patterns and spatial ambiguity.The Fragment series emphasizes Riley's masterful use of visual rhythm and structure. The lines and circles are meticulously arranged to appear as though they are in continuous flux, with some sections of the composition seeming to advance while others recede. This push-and-pull effect, achieved solely through black and white, highlights Riley's understanding of perceptual psychology and her interest in how simple shapes can create powerful visual tensions. The lack of color does not limit the work's complexity; instead, it focuses attention on the intricacies of form and composition, challenging viewers to contemplate the relationship between foreground and background.Through the Fragment series, Riley reinforces her role as a central figure in Op Art, demonstrating how minimalist elements can evoke endless optical possibilities. The interplay of lines and circles creates a balance between order and disruption, drawing viewers into a world of layered, pulsating effects that seem to shift with each glance. Each piece in the series is a meditation on form, rhythm, and visual impact, encouraging a prolonged engagement that reveals Riley’s enduring exploration of movement and perception. This series, stripped down to pure black and white, serves as a testament to Riley’s skill in transforming the simplest elements into visually arresting, immersive experiences.
Price on Application
Auction History
Large Fragment 2 · Bridget Riley · Phillips · 2026-03 · $39,398
Large Fragment · Bridget Riley · Sotheby's · 2024-03 · $34,200
Large Fragment (Tommasini & Gubay 64; Schubert 64) · Bridget Riley · Bonhams · 2023-12 · $34,619
Large Fragment 2 (Not in Schubert) · Bridget Riley · Sotheby's · 2023-10 · $21,590
Large Fragment · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2023-09 · $33,931
More from this series
More series by Bridget Riley
About the Fragment Series
Discover the Fragment series by Bridget Riley, one of the most influential abstract artists of the modern era. This compelling collection showcases Riley's mastery of optical abstraction and precise geometric composition, hallmarks of her groundbreaking Op Art movement legacy. The Fragment works demonstrate her rigorous exploration of colour, line, and visual rhythm—employing paint on canvas with the mathematical precision that defines her practice.
Created during a significant period in Riley's career, these pieces reflect her continued investigation into how systematic compositions generate dynamic visual experiences. Each work in the series—including Fragment 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7—reveals the artist's commitment to creating immersive, perceptually engaging abstractions that challenge and reward sustained viewing.
Riley's work remains highly sought by serious collectors and institutions worldwide. The Fragment series represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire works from this pivotal artist whose influence on contemporary abstraction cannot be overstated. Available for purchase. Enquire for availability and detailed provenance information.
About Bridget Riley
Bridget Riley
Life and Practice
Bridget Riley (b. 1931, Norwood, London) is one of the foremost figures in twentieth-century abstract painting, internationally celebrated as a pioneer of Op Art. Educated at Goldsmiths College and the Royal College of Art, Riley spent time teaching before dedicating herself fully to painting in the early 1960s. Her early work — strict geometric compositions in black and white that induce powerful perceptual effects of motion, vibration, and depth — established her as a key innovator in art's engagement with visual perception. Movement in Squares (1961) and Fall (1963) are among the most celebrated works of the period, and remain among the defining images of British postwar art.Riley was awarded the International Prize for Painting at the 1968 Venice Biennale, cementing her international reputation. From the late 1960s, she began introducing colour into her work, working first with carefully limited Egyptian palettes and later a full range of hues, exploring stripe-based and diagonal compositions in which colour interaction becomes the primary subject. Her series including Orphean Elegy, The Seasons, and Rajasthan demonstrate the sustained rigour and beauty of this investigation. She continues to work from studios in London and Cornwall.