Achaean 1981

Bridget Riley’s ‘Achaean’ is a vibrant exploration of color and form, carefully constructed from stripes of varying widths and hues, on canvas. Riley's process involves meticulous planning and execution. She often begins with small, hand-painted studies, methodically mapping out the color relationships and spatial rhythms before scaling up to the final canvas. This approach, reminiscent of industrial design, emphasizes precision and control, akin to the work of a skilled craftsman. The optical effects in 'Achaean' are created through the interaction of colors. Riley's keen understanding of perception allows her to manipulate the viewer's experience, creating a sense of movement and depth. This blurring of boundaries between the artwork and the viewer aligns Riley’s practice with traditions of visual experimentation. The systematic method allows a sense of objectivity, almost like a factory production line, whilst engaging with color theory and perception. 'Achaean' challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. By emphasizing the importance of material, making, and perception, Riley invites us to reconsider how we understand the full meaning of an artwork.