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Tuesday 1 June 2010

Painting(s) of the Month (6) June 2010: Bridget Riley


This month I am showing several of British artist Bridget Riley's optical paintings and not saying too much about them. They are for pure visual enjoyment.
For me, the interesting point about her work is, although abstract,  they do convey a lot via one's emotional and physical responses. She has said that the journey that the eye makes over her paintings is similar to that of a natural scene. The optical effects convey a strong vibrancy via their constuction or colour.
Look how the picture above appears to shimmer! It seems to be on the move constantly and the last one begins to dance if you run your eyes over it. (Or is the Belgian beer still running around my brain?)


15 comments:

Bob said...

I have to confess these paintings leave me feeling uncomfortable! The first painting reminds me of strange experiences I used to have playing chess......sometimes when I was feeling threatened by an opponent's superior play the chessboard began to distort in front of my eyes and I could no longer distinguish between the black and white squares!

Anyway thanks for broadening my horizons.

Unknown said...

Wow. These are great. I liked the first and the third one very much. Thanks for sharing...:)

bazza said...

Bob: They are not to everyone's taste but at least you had an emotional reaction! Sounds like your chess game took place in Wonderland with magic mushrooms on the menu.

Mr Stupid: Glad you liked them.
Thanks for the laughs you provide over at your blog; I always enjoy your posts even if I don't comment!

Parlancheq said...

Hmm, the first one makes me dizzy.

bazza said...

Parlancheq: I think it's meant to!
These paintings are quite large when you see them in a gallery and you sometimes need to hold on to something to avoid falling over.

klahanie said...

Hi bazza,
Struggling to leave a comment as I'm getting these wavy lines in front of my eyes. Weird.
Thanks for posting Bridget's pictures. I guess.
All the best, bazza. I'm going for a lie down in a darkened room...

Kelly said...

The first one is a real bona fide optical illusion, for sure. Makes my sight a little jittery. The second, eh, didn't do much for me. The third, however, does make me feel drunk or bouncing gently with the waves in water. Can't decide.

bazza said...

Gary: It's OK to say if you don't like them or can't see the point; lots of people don't. Personally I find them fascinating. Bridget Riley is highly respected in the modern art world. I'm sure a lie down will do you good!

Kelly: I think the artist would be pleased that you had any kind of reaction! Thanks for commenting (even reluctantly!)

klahanie said...

Hi bazza,
I thought the paintings were interesting. I sensed a bit of optical illusion which was actually okay.
I neither like them or dislike them. So, that makes me neutral. Heck, at this rate, I should run for politics. After my lie down lol

bazza said...

Gary: Actually, I rather enjoy pushing the boundaries a bit. So if I show something people haven't seen before I get a buzz; it doesn't matter too much which way you go so I am grateful for your honest reaction. You may find that now you know about Bridget Riley you might notice her influence all around. She is considered to be very influential since the sixties.

Mimi Lenox said...

They do seem to move and I actually had to look away a time or two...almost like being on an artistic roller coaster ride.
Lovely the same.

bazza said...

Mimi: Glad you like them, Mimi. But you were dizzy to start with!

joanne said...

Like Mimi I saw movement in these pieces, especially when looking away... and like Parlancheq the first one made me dizzy... From all of the reactions in the comments, it would be advised not to mix Belgian beer with a study of these paintings :)

bazza said...

Joanne: You are right, I didn't realise at first about the juxtaposition of these last posts. Maybe some sub-conscious event made me link the two!

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