Perception

We were talking about how different people perceive the same thing differently in class. It is viewers who make the meaning from the work we produce. To a certain extent, I feel like with the process of making art, a large part of it is to figure out a way to communicate the message clearly to all audiences without being cliché. From my experience in a photography class, we first think of a theme and idea we want to explore, figure out what we want to say about it, then think of different ways to convey this message. But when everyone perceives things differently based on their own life and past experience, isn't it the viewer who decides what they get from the work of art? Without the little information cards on the side of the work, and without the audio commentaries provided at museums, there is a large possibility for viewers to interpret differently for one work.

Take Jackson Pollock's work for example, he is a very influential painter in the art world, being a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. His 'action painting' has changed how some people view paintings, is it merely paint on canvas? Or a painting of an object or a person? To many people in the art world, Pollock is a hero, but what does his work mean to someone who doesn't have a background knowledge in art history? They might see it as just some guy splashing paint onto a canvas, it's just a mess... why is it in a gallery or a museum? I think with artists, a lot of times they don't have to take into account viewer's perception that much in contrast to advertisers or designers. Advertisers and designers purpose to produce work is to communicate visually, bringing the message across. Whereas for artists, it is more about their own interest in art.