Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Bridget Riley, ink, 1962
Untitled, by Bridget Riley, ink, 1962

Untitled is an ink print by Bridget Riley. It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1962 screenprint by English artist Bridget Riley, part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Characterized by a grid of black and white squares, the work incorporates a central vertical line of thinner white rectangles against a plain light background.

Subject & Meaning

The piece explores optical effects through simple geometric shapes and monochromatic colors, inducing a sense of depth without representational elements. The composition's linear and block-like patterns engage the viewer's gaze, creating a dynamic visual experience.

Technique & Style

Riley employs screenprinting to achieve clean edges and precise repetitions of form, hallmarks of her Op Art style. The use of a limited palette and abstracted grid structure underscores her interest in perceptual manipulation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1962, the screenprint is now held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, reflecting its significance within the Op Art movement of the early 1960s.

Context

Untitled exemplifies Riley's broader practice, which spans studios in London, Cornwall, and France, and is marked by an ongoing investigation into the psychological impact of visual patterns.

Legacy

As part of MoMA's collection, Untitled contributes to the institutional recognition of Op Art's influence on modern visual aesthetics, influencing subsequent generations of artists exploring perception and abstraction.

Artist & collection

Artist

Bridget Riley

Bridget Louise Riley (born 24 April 1931) is an English painter known for her op art paintings. She lives and works in London, Cornwall and the Vaucluse in France.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.