So it begins... albeit a little late.

After a few weeks of flustered instructions, I think I’ve finally got this whole 'blog' thing sussed! This blog will mostly be used to record recent visits to galleries, my thoughts and opinions on exhibitions, and ideas and experiments all relating to my core work. Which at the moment, is based on and around the themes and idea of 'identity'. How likely it is to stay that way, I can’t possibly say!

The special exhibition being held at the Walker at the moment is by Bridget Riley, and is called ‘Flashback’. I can’t say I hold much appreciation for this work. While a small part of me wants to argue that a lot of the works are extremely mature and that there is well thought and well structured patterns, the other half of me thinks it wouldn't look totally out of place in a children’s primary school. The idea just seems far too… easy. The paintings are optically vibrant, so much so there is a warning sign before you even walk through the door! They generate wild sensory movement and play with sensations of light and space. There are displays showing finished paintings, also paired together with sketches of new and exciting patterns. These paintings could easily be described as assemblages, I believe if they were a little less structured and Riley was to just let it happen, they would have a totally different effect.

However, with all the resources available now, it seems just about anyone could try this sort of art out. Maybe they had a lack of masking tape a few years back?! The combination of geometric shapes, horizontal and vertical lines and brash and wacky colours just hurts my head. In my opinion, the level of talent and raw skill can be seen in any other room in that gallery. Having said that, I’m really not opposed to more contemporary ways of working, nor do I believe the more time spent on a piece of art automatically gives it a right to success either. I don’t doubt that during the 60’s, Riley’s works paved the way for new, ambitious and exciting ways of working; it’s just not something I can totally engage myself with.

For me, this image says it all...