Bridget Riley May 26 Bassacs 105959 20 European art; part 1

The artwork presents a complex interplay of geometric forms and color relationships that immediately engage the viewers perception. Here we see a field populated by rectangular shapes arranged in a seemingly chaotic yet meticulously structured manner. These rectangles are predominantly oriented diagonally across the composition, creating an impression of dynamic movement and instability.
A key characteristic is the use of contrasting colors – hues such as greens, blues, pinks, yellows, and purples appear adjacent to one another, often with subtle shifts in saturation and value. This juxtaposition generates a visual vibration; the boundaries between shapes seem to waver and shift depending on the viewer’s position. The effect isnt merely decorative; it actively challenges the stability of the image itself.
The artist employs a system where each rectangle is partially overlaid by another, creating an optical illusion that suggests depth or recession despite the flatness of the surface. This layering contributes to the sense of visual ambiguity and makes it difficult for the eye to settle on any single element. The precision in the execution – the clean lines and consistent spacing – further enhances this effect, preventing the composition from appearing haphazard.
Subtly embedded within the formal structure is a commentary on perception itself. The work doesnt depict an object or scene; instead, it explores how our visual system processes information. It highlights the inherent instability of visual experience, demonstrating how color and form can be manipulated to create illusions of movement and depth where none physically exist.
The signature in the lower right corner indicates a date of 1979, placing the work within a period when artists were increasingly interested in exploring perceptual phenomena and challenging traditional notions of representation. The overall effect is one of controlled complexity – a carefully orchestrated visual experience that invites prolonged observation and contemplation.