The artwork titled “Kiss,” created by Bridget Riley in 1961, is a significant piece associated with the Op Art movement. This genre is characterized by its abstract nature, often focusing on creating optical illusions or playing with visual perception.
The image depicts an abstract composition consisting of a stark contrast between black and white. The main feature is a gentle, curvilinear white form that dips down into a black background, forging a wave-like division across the canvas. The simplicity of the form and the high contrast create an arresting visual tension and a sense of dynamism that is typical of Riley’s work during this period of her career. The artwork’s minimalistic approach, relying solely on color contrast and curve, showcases Riley’s intent to focus on the fundamental aspects of visual experience—form, color, and the way in which the eye perceives them.
