Arcadia
4 works
Bridget Riley Untitled (Based On Blaze) For Sale
Bridget Riley
Untitled (Based On Blaze), 1965
Screenprint
20 7/8 x 20 1/2 in 53 x 52 cm
Edition
Edition of 50
About this work
Bridget Riley's *Movement* series from 1962, characterized by its dizzying, kaleidoscopic patterns, marks a pivotal moment in her exploration of geometric abstraction. These two defining screen prints, considered groundbreaking upon their creation, employ simple, monochromatic shapes to create an illusion of intense motion. Despite their two-dimensionality, the rhythmic arrangement of forms gives rise to a powerful, disorienting effect, as the shapes seem to pulse and shift on the flat surface. This series captures Riley's innovative approach to manipulating optical perception, drawing the viewer into an unsettling, almost hypnotic experience.In the *Movement* series, Riley uses precise geometric shapes to create an illusion of depth and motion, resulting in a visual tension that captivates the eye. The monochromatic palette strips away any distraction of color, sharpening the focus on the interplay of shapes and the powerful optical effects they produce. The viewer may feel an almost visceral reaction as the lines and forms seem to sway and bend, producing a sense of instability and flux. Riley’s careful arrangement of these elements speaks to her ability to harness simplicity to create profound, immersive experiences, where the viewer becomes acutely aware of the act of seeing.These two works in the *Movement* series were indeed Riley's breakthrough into abstraction, paving the way for her to delve deeper into the Op Art movement. With these pieces, Riley established herself as a pioneer in creating visual phenomena that challenge the stability of perception. The series exemplifies her skill in using repetition, alignment, and shape to transform a static medium into a dynamic experience, laying the groundwork for the explorations of color and form that would define her later career. Through the *Movement* series, Riley invites viewers into an optical journey, where movement emerges from stillness and geometric precision blurs into an almost dreamlike motion.
Price on Application
Auction History
Untitled (based on Blaze) · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2024-03 · $68,420
Untitled (based on Primitive Blaze) · Bridget Riley · Bonhams · 2022-09 · $64,052
Untitled (based on Primitive Blaze) · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2021-04 · $81,399
Untitled (based on Primitive Blaze) · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2020-09 · $0
Untitled (Based on Blaze), 1964 , 1964 · Bridget Riley · Rago Arts & Auction Center · 2017-05 · $20,000
More from this series
More series by Bridget Riley
About the Movement Series
Bridget Riley's Movement series stands as a cornerstone of Op Art, showcasing the British pioneer's revolutionary approach to optical perception and kinetic abstraction. Created during a transformative period in contemporary art, these works demonstrate Riley's mastery of geometric precision and chromatic interaction, compelling viewers to experience visual motion through carefully orchestrated line and color relationships.
The series, including seminal pieces such as Untitled (Based On Movement In Squares) and Untitled (Based On Blaze), exemplifies Riley's systematic methodology and her profound influence on 1960s modernism. Each work is meticulously executed, employing acrylic on canvas to create immersive optical experiences that challenge perception and engagement.
Riley's Movement works remain highly sought after by serious collectors, representing significant investment value within the contemporary art market. These pieces transcend decorative function, offering intellectual rigor and aesthetic innovation that rewards sustained viewing.
Discover these landmark works from the Movement series and explore availability for purchase. Enquire with our specialists to discuss acquisition options and provenance details.
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.