The Art Market’s Unyielding Affection for Riley’s Mastery

In a triumph that resonates across the global art scene, Bridget Riley, one of Britain’s most influential living artists, has once again proven her enduring presence in the art market. Her iconic 1985 painting Myrrh, part of her celebrated Egypt series, sold for a record-breaking £1,802,900 ($2,362,000) at Bonhams’ 20th/21st Century Art Evening Sale in London, firmly asserting Riley’s place not only in the annals of art history but also in the contemporary market’s elite.

The sale of Myrrh, a striking piece from Riley’s extensive career, signals more than just a financial victory—it is a declaration of the artist’s unwavering relevance and mastery at the age of 93. From its intricate optical precision to its dazzling color palette, Myrrh exemplifies the genius that Riley has cultivated over decades, with an unmatched legacy in the Op Art movement.

The Egyptian Influence: Riley’s Color Revolution

At the core of Myrrh lies a visual tension that has become synonymous with Riley’s work: the interplay between movement and stillness, optical illusion and perceptual clarity. Inspired by her transformative trip to Egypt in 1981, Riley developed what she termed her “Egyptian Palette”—a breakthrough in her approach to color that would come to define this series. The palette draws from the vivid, sun-drenched landscapes of Egypt, as well as the rhythmic geometry of hieroglyphic inscriptions that Riley encountered. The result was a body of work imbued with a radiant, almost mystical quality—an optical dynamism that stirs both the eyes and the emotions of the viewer.

As Ralph Taylor, Global Head of 20th and 21st Century Art at Bonhams, noted, the “distinctive palette” of Riley’s Egypt series paintings is part of what makes them so highly prized.

It’s no surprise that collectors wanted to own this exceptional piece by one of the greatest living artists.

– He remarked, underscoring the timeless appeal and deep resonance of Riley’s art.

The Op Art Movement: A Legacy of Innovation

Though she is perhaps most famous for her pioneering role in Op Art during the 1960s, Riley’s work has continued to evolve throughout her career. From her early black-and-white optical illusions that defied static visual conventions to her later, more chromatically rich compositions, Riley’s art consistently challenges the viewer’s perception. Myrrh is no exception, offering an immersive experience where color and form oscillate, pulse, and shimmer with an energy that invites endless exploration.

At nearly a century old, Riley’s ability to innovate within the realm of abstraction remains a testament to her unyielding creative vision. As an artist, Riley has never been content to simply repeat past triumphs. Instead, she has continuously redefined what it means to create art that both engages the senses and pushes the boundaries of what abstraction can achieve.

Bridget Riley in the Art Market

The record-breaking sale of Myrrh at Bonhams is not just a milestone in Riley’s personal career—it is a clear indicator of the art market’s ongoing love affair with her work. From her early days of fame in the 1960s to her continuing success in the 21st century, Riley’s works have remained a coveted commodity among collectors, institutions, and galleries alike. Her art is housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including at the Tate, London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Nationalgalerie, Berlin, and the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam.

Riley’s ability to captivate the art world at the age of 93 speaks to the depth and longevity of her artistic voice. Her works, though firmly rooted in the Optical and Abstract traditions, transcend time, continuing to inspire and challenge viewers with their brilliance.

The Cultural Significance of Riley’s Art

At its core, Riley’s art is not just about optical trickery. It’s about evoking a feeling of transcendence, of exploring the nature of perception and how the mind experiences and interprets form and color. Her work demands attention, not just for its aesthetic beauty but for its ability to shift consciousness—to make us reflect on the very way we see the world.

The sale of Myrrh at Bonhams also underscores a larger trend in the contemporary art market, where artists like Riley, whose work engages both intellectual rigor and emotional resonance, continue to set the standard. Her success signals an increasing appreciation for abstract art that transcends visual pleasure, offering something far more profound—a reflection on the act of seeing itself.

Riley’s Continuing Impact

As the art world watches, Riley’s influence shows no signs of waning. With each record-breaking sale, each new exhibition, Riley continues to shape the conversation around contemporary abstraction. Her ability to consistently evolve while remaining grounded in her core artistic principles is a model for future generations of artists—proving that the true force of art lies in its ability to challenge and expand human perception, generation after generation.