True Blues was created as part of Bridget Riley’s ‘Lozenge’ series and displays a combination of two blue hues, complimented by purposefully placed segments of white. The title is a direct reference to Franz Schubert’s 1813 romance song of the same name.

Blending straight lines, harsh angles and sensual curves, this looks like a straightforward composition but is delicate and intricate. Riley works with three colours: white, light blue/mauve and deep blue, with each being assigned roughly the same amount of surface area so none is dominating. 

The composition is to prevent the observer from forming any visual connections. If viewed sideways, the print may be interpreted as an abstraction based on reflected light on water, but Riley has avoided this entanglement by angling the composition's lines to be vertical. With Riley saying "The eye can travel over the surface in a way parallel to the way it moves over nature. It should feel caressed and soothed, experience frictions and ruptures, glide and drift". 

Bridget Riley

Bridget Riley is a British artist renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to the Op Art movement. Born in London, Riley initially pursued a career in illustrating before turning to abstract painting in the late 1950s. Her distinctive style consists of vibrant geometric patterns and optical illusions, creating mesmerising visual effects that challenge perception. Her influential works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide and have left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring generations of artists.