Diptych 1971

This diptych by Larry Bell uses subtle gradations of colour to create a kind of visual dance across two panels, which just feels so contemporary. The material quality here is really important: it's not just the colours themselves, but how they're applied. The surfaces seem almost frosted, with layers of transparent or translucent paint allowing light to pass through and bounce around. You can almost feel the texture, like touching a cool piece of glass. Look at the edges of the panels; the softer focus creates an optical illusion. The subtle transition from light to dark feels infinite, and the piece has the potential to alter your sense of depth and dimension. Bell’s exploration of light and surface reminds me of the Light and Space movement and artists like Robert Irwin, who are also interested in the way we perceive and experience the world around us. What could be more exciting?