Song of Orpheus IV 1978

Bridget Riley made this serene painting, "Song of Orpheus IV," with undulating lines and a calming color palette. I can imagine Riley carefully plotting each line, making tiny adjustments, and letting the overall rhythm emerge like a melody. The subtle shifts in color and form create a visual vibration. It's not just about what you see, but what you feel – a sense of movement, a gentle pulse. Each stroke probably felt so important to her, you know? The way these lines interact reminds me of Agnes Martin's grids and the optical experiments of Victor Vasarely. There’s a dialogue happening between artists, a shared language of abstraction that spans decades. Riley's work, like theirs, invites us to slow down, look closely, and experience the simple pleasure of seeing. You know, it's nice to be reminded that painting can also be about gentleness.