Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Bridget Riley. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1967 drawing by Bridget Riley, exemplifies the artist's op art style, characterized by geometric patterns and optical effects. Executed in gouache and pencil on graph paper, the work features a dynamic, wavy shape composed of red and blue lines set against a plain white background, creating an illusion of movement.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of Untitled is an abstract, sinuous form that exploits the interplay between geometric precision and perceived motion. By leveraging the contrast between the regular grid of the graph paper and the twisting, curved lines, Riley explores the tension between static form and dynamic visual experience.
Technique & Style
Riley's use of gouache, a water-based paint, on graph paper allows for sharp, precise lines, while the pencil underdrawing maintains a sense of spontaneity. The op art style is heightened by the monochromatic color scheme (red and blue against white), which intensifies the visual oscillation and sense of depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1967, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting the institution's recognition of Riley's contribution to the op art movement. The artist's practice spans locations in London, Cornwall, and the Vaucluse region of France.
Context
Emerging in the 1960s, op art, as seen in Untitled, responded to the era's fascination with perception, science, and technology. Riley's work, in particular, contributed to the global visibility of British op artists, exploring how visual patterns could manipulate viewer perception.
Legacy
Untitled contributes to Bridget Riley's legacy as a pioneering figure in op art, influencing subsequent generations of artists experimenting with geometric abstraction and perceptual art. The piece remains a quintessential example of how op art can create dynamic, immersive experiences through static, two-dimensional forms.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
