Robert Kudielka On Bridget Riley, Essays And Interviews Since 1972 Signed By Kudielka And Bridget Riley

Published by Ridinghouse, London, UK, 2014. Second edition, expanded. Original wrappers. Size: 17.1cm x 23cm. Illustrated throughout with examples of Riley’s work. Signed by Riley and Kudielka to the title page. Minor creasing to the spine and corners else a near fine, tight, clean copy. Scarce signed.

Bridget Riley: A Biography

Bridget Riley is a British painter known for her pioneering work in the Op Art movement, which emerged in the 1960s. Her art is characterised by geometric patterns and optical illusions that create a sense of movement and depth, challenging viewers’ perceptions and engaging them in an active visual experience.

Early Life and Education
Born: April 24, 1931, in Norwood, London, England.
Family Background:Riley was born into a middle-class family. Her father, John Fisher Riley, was a printer, and her mother, Janet Riley, encouraged her early interest in art.
Education: Riley attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College and later studied at Goldsmiths College, London, from 1949 to 1952. She then attended the Royal College of Art from 1952 to 1955, where she was contemporaries with other notable British artists such as Peter Blake and Frank Auerbach.

Early Career and Influences
Post-Graduation Work: After graduating, Riley worked in various jobs, including as an illustrator and art teacher. During this period, she also cared for her ailing father, which interrupted her artistic development.
Artistic Influences: Riley was initially influenced by the work of Georges Seurat, an artist known for his Pointillist technique. She was also influenced by the works of Jackson Pollock, Victor Vasarely, and the Impressionists. However, it was the study of optical effects and perception that would define her career.

Rise of Op Art

Op Art Movement: In the early 1960s, Riley began to develop her signature style, focusing on black and white geometric patterns that created optical illusions. Her work became synonymous with the Op Art movement, a term coined in 1964 by Time magazine to describe art that used optical illusions to create movement and depth.
Breakthrough: Riley’s first major success came with her participation in the 1965 exhibition “The Responsive Eye” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. The exhibition brought Op Art to international prominence, and Riley became one of its leading figures.
Iconic Works: Some of Riley’s most famous works from this period include “Movement in Squares” (1961), “Current” (1964), and “Fall” (1963). These works exemplify her exploration of visual perception and the effects of contrasting shapes and patterns.

Later Career and Evolution
Introduction of Colour: In the late 1960s, Riley began to experiment with colour, moving away from her earlier black-and-white palette. Her use of colour allowed her to explore new dimensions of optical effects, creating vibrant and dynamic compositions.
Significant Works: Notable works from her later period include “Cataract 3” (1967) and “Nataraja” (1993). These pieces reflect her continuing exploration of how colours interact to produce movement and light.
International Recognition: Throughout her career, Riley has received numerous awards and honours, including the International Prize for Painting at the 34th Venice Biennale in 1968. Her work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide.

Legacy and Influence
Impact on Art: Bridget Riley’s work has had a profound impact on contemporary art, influencing a wide range of artists and movements. Her exploration of perception, movement, and optical effects continues to inspire both artists and scientists interested in the psychology of vision.
Recognition: Riley was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1974 and was later promoted to a Dame Commander (DBE) in 1998. She was also awarded the Companion of Honour (CH) in 2012 for her services to art.
Continuing Work: Even into her later years, Riley has continued to produce art, constantly evolving her style while remaining true to her fundamental exploration of visual perception.

Personal Life
Private Nature: Riley is known to be a very private person, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances. She has dedicated her life to her art and remains one of the most respected figures in the contemporary art world.

Conclusion
Bridget Riley is a trailblazer in the art world, known for her contributions to the Op Art movement and her ongoing exploration of visual perception. Her work challenges viewers to see beyond the surface, engaging them in an active dialogue with the art itself. Riley’s legacy is one of innovation, precision, and a deep commitment to the power of visual experience.

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