I’ve always loved Bridget Riley’s work, and the current retrospective at the Hayward Gallery at London’s Southbank is fantastic.
Covering all of her work, from the earlier monochrome art of the 1960s, through to the more colourful pieces she produced later on.
As the work became less op-art and more abstract, for me the sense of movement becomes more suggestive, and more interesting. Evoking figures and landscape rather than visual tricks.
The spacious installation at the Hayward also allows these pieces to be enjoyed to the full. Don’t hang about though, it closes this weekend!
One of the most fascinating parts of the exhibition is a selection of working sketches and drawings by the artist. These show the extraordinary level of detail in the development of her pieces.
And I was lucky enough to view the exhibition followed by a performance of Steve Reich’s ‘Drumming’ with the artist present. The performance of this magnificent percussion piece provided the ears with a perfect accompaniment to Bridget Riley’s feast for the eyes.
