The artwork “Movement in Squares” by Bridget Riley was created in 1961 and is a notable piece within the Op Art movement. This abstract work is distinguished by a precise geometric pattern that creates a strong visual effect.
Analyzing the image, “Movement in Squares” consists of a series of black and white squares that are arranged in a grid. What makes the piece particularly striking is the manipulation of the squares in a way that creates a sense of movement or distortion in part of the grid. Starting from the left, the squares are uniform in size, but as the eye moves toward the center, the squares begin to elongate vertically and narrow horizontally, giving an illusion that the image is stretching or moving inward. The contrasting colors and meticulous arrangement of shapes play with the viewer’s perception, showcasing Riley’s mastery of optical effects. This mimicry of motion and the fluctuating rhythm it portrays are characteristic of Riley’s contribution to Op Art, which relies on optical illusions to engage observers.
