It is challenging to show the complete content of art books.
If the book is closed the content on the pages is concealed. If the book is open, the closure, cover, and remaining pages are not accessible.
Today I was watching a video on YouTube–
8 Japanese Aesthetics That Might Change How You See Beauty
I was struck by this passage–
Masayuki Kurokawa (Japanese architect and designer) explains that hiding part of a work is not about withholding. It’s an invitation.
The creator doesn’t expect the viewer to see the work exactly as they do. Instead, they hope the viewer will bring their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and in doing so, become part of the creative process. In this way, Japanese aesthetics do not always aim for precise communication.
There is no single correct interpretation.
Instead, there’s a quiet belief that something in the viewer’s heart will naturally resonate with the creator’s intention.
Art becomes complete through that shared experience, through presence, imagination, and mutual sensitivity.
I agree with the bit about the viewer bringing their own thoughts… I generally think of it as seeing the work through the filter of your own experiences.
I don’t agree that the viewer becomes part of the creative process, just by looking at the work. I feel that devalues the artist’s education, years of experience, the number of works constructed, and the work.
My interpretation is the correct one for my work. If someone views my work and arrives at a different interpretation; their interpretation is not equivalent to mine. Their interpretation is not valid.
For example, a viewer may appreciate a material used in one of my pieces but may not comprehend the importance of that material to the content. How can they possibly arrive at a valid interpretation of the work?
