Coloured Greys III 1972

Editor: This is Bridget Riley's "Coloured Greys III," housed at the Tate. The waves of color are mesmerizing, almost hypnotic. What symbols or deeper meanings do you see in this piece? Curator: Consider how waves, a recurring motif, often represent the ebb and flow of life, the subconscious, and transformation. How do these colors, despite their muted tones, evoke specific emotional or psychological states for you? Editor: I feel a sense of calm, but also a subtle unease, maybe from the constant repetition. Curator: Precisely! Riley uses this repetition to tap into our inherent pattern-seeking brains, prompting a response, a feeling. The limited palette further directs our focus inward, towards the subtle shifts in perception. It is as if she is reminding us of the ocean's power, and our fragility. Editor: So, it's not just about visual sensation, but about the deeper human connection to these symbols? Curator: Exactly. Riley uses visual language to explore our shared cultural and psychological landscape. It goes beyond mere aesthetics. Editor: I'll never look at waves the same way again. Thanks!