Untitled [Oval Image]

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Of the 7 black and white screenprints on paper created by Bridget Riley in the 1960s, Oval Image of 1964 is the hardest to find. Only the fourth print she ever made, and the third to be published, it was also the first work printed by Kelpra Studio for the artist, a famous collaboration that endured for many years. It was initially referred to as Print 3.

Bridget Riley was among the 24 British artists selected by Richard Hamilton to make screenprints for the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) London print portfolio. This renowned portfolio was sold to raise money for the ICA and launched the revival of the medium among artists in England. An inscription is printed at the bottom left: 'ICA Print Screenprinted by Kelpra Studio', and it is precisely because of this inscription that the work is so scarce.

From an initial edition of 50, very few are thought to remain in existence. In the years that followed publication, the inclusion of the inscription caused many to think the work was some kind of reproduction, and it was treated accordingly. It has appeared at auction a mere three times in sixty years. Even the Tate does not hold a copy, although MoMA and Harvard Art Museums do, as well as the Arts Council.

Untitled [Oval Image]

Bridget Riley

Artist: Bridget Riley (b.1931)
Title: Untitled [Oval Image]
Medium: Screenprint in black on paper
Date: 1964
Size: 30 x 14 in : 76.4 x 35.6 cm
Edition: From the edition of 50
Inscriptions: Signed, numbered and dated by the artist
Printer: Kelpra Studio, London
Publisher: Published by the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Literature: Bridget Riley - The Complete Prints 1962-2020, The Bridget Riley Art Foundation, Thames & Hudson, London, 2020, no. BRS 4, pp.56-57 (illus.)
Schubert 3
Exhibited: Institute of Contemporary Arts, 1964, no.21
Tate Gallery, 1980, no.21
Queensland Art Gallery, Australia, 1985
Arts Council, London, 2001-03
British Council, London, 2004-05
University of Exeter, 2006
Reference: A25-01
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