Movement in Squares and Pæan

This is s a re-submission of my Lego model of the ‘Movement in Squares’ painting, 1961 by the artist Bridget Riley.

The whole model has been completely redesigned. 

My love for geometric art hasn’t dwindled over the years. You see bold check, gingham, plaid patterns in the everyday things we own, in household fabrics and textiles, to the clothes we wear.

Bridget Riley is an english painter. She is famous for her use of geometric shapes, patterns, and colours which create optical illusions. Her works of art are displayed in galleries all over the world.

This time, I’ve combined two works of art by the same artist. At the centre, is the painting of ‘Movement in Squares’, 1961, with ‘Paean’, 1973 set as the mount of the frame.

This model has been re-built using my new favourite Lego pieces, the centered brackets, #41682.

This painting has 31 distinct Black and White sections moving across the canvass on the original painting. Working in Lego using only plates and the centered brackets, the thinnest line I could make is the depth of one Lego plate on its side.  

I had to choose which combination of plates would draw the eye in to maximise the effect of the curvature or waves that your eyes can see, while remaining loyal to the original artists painting.

Working with the centred brackets meant I had to work in multiples of five, as each bracket supports two plates either side of the centred bracket plate, its filled sides are 2 x 2 when attached to the layers below. This meant I had to increase the size of the original model I made.

I also had to take into consideration, adding in the second work of art, ‘Paean’, 1973, which I used to represent a colourful mounting board, within the frame to finish.

The plates and brackets are set over 9 x16 x16 Technic bricks, two additional Technic bricks were added, one on each side, to accommodate the new enlarged design. 4 x 6 Technic Frame bricks were used for the frame for this new model. I’ve also included two Technic Modified beams at the back of the frame, for hanging this model on a wall.

The word ‘Paean’ means, song of praise, something joyous or triumphant.

Equally as well known, Bridget Riley painted a series of ‘Stripe paintings'. ‘Paean’, really attracted my attention, for a number of reasons. The colours in the original painting and ‘studies for Paean’ are available in current Lego colours, and in the plate sizes that I needed. I could accurately use the plate width to gain the same effect as the original painting, but best of all, the effect is very striking and works really well.

There are only four current Lego colours used, in this model, the same as the original painting, Bright Red, Bright Blue, Bright Yellowish Green and White.

From the close up photo of my model, you see these four colours, but what happens when you step backwards from them? The colours start to change, Our eyes mix the colours closest to them, and you start to see different shades of Pink, Purple, Orange,Yellow, Green and Blue.

All the pieces used in ‘Paean’ have a subtle repeat patterning running through the model. 

For stability, the plates connected sideways, are mixed with sparsely centred brackets, tiles are fixed underneath, which support the length and runs of the plates sitting on top. Everything clicks into place very securely,

There are no exposed studs, the finished surface is completely smooth and glossy.

Working with this model has been an interesting experience, as the colours changed as I walked into my room or viewing it on my Mac. A small image would display all the colour changes I mentioned, if I enlarged the image, or just stood in front of the model, it just looked red, blue, white and green.

I think my model would make a stunning piece of wall art in your home.

Last words, my apologies in advance, if this model makes your eyes go funny.

This model, has 3922 pieces.

W51cm (20.8”), H49.9cm (19.65”) D3.5cm (1.38)”.