On April 9, 1992, Bridget Riley exhibited the painting Close by (1992), part of her “Rhomboid’ series – known in the studio as ‘zigs’. 

In this post, the artist shares a detail of the artwork and explains the source of her inspiration from childhood memories ”(the sea) was bespattered with the glitter of bright sunlight and its tiny pinpoints of virtually black shadow – it was as though one was swimming through a diamond”.

The art dealer Karsten Schubert was among the fans of the artist ; he re-energized her late career by showing her work alongside that of artists 30 years younger. His hashtag refers to the optical illusions in Riley’s work.

The art historian and critic Robert Kudielka met Riley in 1967 and became a close friend. He has written several books about her work and describes her process with color to that of a musician selecting a key.

Eric Clapton will purchase the painting before selling at auction in 1997.

 

Sources:

Christies lot essay

Bridget Riley: paintings 1982-1992 : Kunsthalle Nürnberg, Catalogue

The Guardian, Karsten Schubert obituary, 08.01. 2019