Bridget Riley | In Conversation with Sir John Leighton

Exploring the Artist's Journey

The Evolving Dialogue with Art

• Every painter engages in a long conversation with their work, which evolves over time, reflecting personal growth and changing perspectives.

• The artist expresses joy in discovering that their dialogue is mirrored in how others perceive their art, highlighting the communicative power of visual expression.

• The exhibition showcases nearly seven decades of artistic production, including early works from educational institutions like Cheltenham Ladies' College and Goldsmiths.

Importance of Drawing and Technique

• The artist emphasizes the significance of drawing as foundational to their practice, noting that it began with observation rather than a conscious decision to pursue art.

• A traditional approach often starts with natural subjects; however, the artist now begins with formal qualities such as volume and composition.

Pictorial Elements as Agents

• Pictorial elements serve as agents for exploration; they are essential tools for building a picture and facilitating artistic inquiry.

• The drawn line has been a crucial agent in the artist's work, exemplified by pieces like "Movement in Squares" and large paintings featuring curved lines.

Influences from Matisse and Seurat

• Matisse's ability to create volume through simple lines greatly influenced the artist’s perception of drawing; his work appeared effortless yet profound.

• Seurat's pointillist technique provided insights into color application. The artist struggled initially but found clarity through studying Seurat’s methodical approach to color mixing.

Emotional Depth vs. Rigidity in Art

• Seurat’s scientific reputation parallels challenges faced by the artist regarding perceptions of their own disciplined style versus emotional depth.

• A moment of frustration led to an expressive black canvas that ultimately felt empty due to lack of opposition; this realization underscored the need for balance between emotion and structure.

Exploring Perception and Artistic Discipline

The Role of Objective Distance in Art

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining objective distance when engaging with art, allowing for a clearer understanding and deeper connection. This discipline is viewed as both necessary and beneficial.

• Reflecting on past failures, the speaker notes that time has provided insights into how to effectively deal with challenges in their artistic journey.

Insights from "Measure for Measure"

• The discussion highlights the integral nature of a circle in relation to "Measure for Measure," suggesting that it cannot be easily broken or altered.

• As viewers engage with the artwork, they are encouraged to explore various perspectives, noting how different angles can reveal new interpretations while remaining fundamentally unchanged.

Evolving Perspectives on Art

• When asked about surprises upon viewing their work after many years, the speaker acknowledges that both they and the artworks have changed over time.

• The experience of looking at art is described as dynamic; although the pieces remain constant, personal growth and changing preoccupations lead to different perceptions each time one engages with them.