Riley's Art: A Mesmerizing Optical Illusion

Bridget Riley's 'Learning to See' exhibition at Turner Contemporary presents a curated selection of 26 works, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. This focused collection, including large canvases and wall drawings, offers an invigorating and magical experience, emphasizing Riley's complete control over color and space. Her paintings possess a unique ability to ensnare and mesmerize viewers, revealing new depths and shifts in perception with sustained observation.

The art's logic and construction invite analytical thought, yet its impact transcends the purely intellectual. Riley's work operates on a physical, phenomenological level, reminding us that perception is a bodily experience. As viewers engage, they are drawn into optical conundrums, with colors that glow and forms that appear to shift, creating a disorienting yet rewarding encounter with the act of seeing itself.

At 94, Bridget Riley continues to challenge how we perceive the world. Her art makes one acutely aware of time, making viewers re-evaluate their position and interaction with each piece. The exhibition transforms concentration into reverie, leaving visitors astonished and compelled to look deeper, underscoring Riley's lifelong dedication to exploring the complex relationship between looking and seeing.