Meaning: The quote by Bridget Riley encapsulates the shift from a time of fixed meanings and certainty to a more ambiguous and open-ended understanding of reality. As an artist associated with the Op Art movement, Riley's work often explores the visual perception and the ways in which our understanding of reality can be influenced by optical illusions and patterns. In this quote, she touches on the broader philosophical implications of this shift in perception, reflecting on the impact it has on our understanding of the world.

In the past, meanings were seen as focused and reality was believed to be fixed. This suggests a time when there was a more concrete understanding of the world and its phenomena. It was a time when people may have been more inclined to believe in absolute truths and definitive interpretations of reality. This could be seen as a reference to a more traditional and perhaps dogmatic way of thinking, where there was a strong emphasis on established truths and fixed meanings.

However, as Riley points out, this sort of belief in fixed meanings and a concrete reality has disappeared. This disappearance could be attributed to a variety of factors, including advancements in science, philosophy, and technology that have challenged traditional ways of understanding the world. Additionally, the increasing interconnectedness of the world through globalization and the digital age has exposed people to a wider range of perspectives and interpretations of reality.

The disappearance of this belief has led to a more uncertain and open-ended understanding of reality. This shift has significant implications for how we perceive and interpret the world around us. It suggests that there is no longer a single, fixed interpretation of reality, but rather a multitude of possible interpretations that are open to individual perspectives and subjective experiences.

The idea of uncertainty and open interpretation can be seen as both liberating and unsettling. On one hand, it allows for a more fluid and dynamic understanding of reality, acknowledging the diverse ways in which people perceive and experience the world. This openness can lead to creativity, innovation, and the exploration of new ideas and perspectives.

On the other hand, this uncertainty can also lead to a sense of instability and disorientation. Without fixed meanings and a concrete reality, individuals may struggle to find solid ground upon which to base their understanding of the world. This can lead to a sense of existential angst and a search for meaning in a world that appears increasingly ambiguous and open to interpretation.

In the context of art, Riley's quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the shifting nature of artistic expression. As traditional artistic conventions and boundaries have been challenged and expanded, artists have embraced a more open-ended and experimental approach to creating meaning and engaging with reality. This has led to the emergence of diverse artistic movements and styles that reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of contemporary existence.

In conclusion, Bridget Riley's quote captures the profound shift from a time of fixed meanings and certainty to a more uncertain and open-ended understanding of reality. It reflects the impact of this shift on our perception of the world and the challenges and opportunities it presents. It also resonates with the evolving nature of artistic expression and the ways in which artists engage with and interpret the complexities of contemporary existence.