I’ve thought a lot about the difference between ambiguity and abstraction in my art. First, I want to make it clear I have had no formal education in fine arts. You can view my qualifications on my About page. Among other things, I have a BA (Social Science) and a Master of Creative Media (Creative Writing). My visual arts studies are in Art Therapy and local workshops primarily. In this post, my views are entirely my own, based on my own creative work and reflection.

Ambiguous Works

What is the difference between creating art that is ambiguous and art that is purely abstract? For me, it comes down to intention. When I am being ambiguous in my work, I know that it can be interpreted in more than one way. Playing with ideas is part of the process for me.

• Will I bring out this aspect, or that one?
• Who am I reaching out to with this work?
• How do I want them to respond?
• What I am actually trying to say or do with this work?

I enjoy the playfulness of ambiguity, but I also think it can make real statements about complex issues. Sometimes I think it is enabling to explore a confronting idea when there is room for imagination.

Example: ’Reveal’

Interpretation of female nudity is very context based. It can be viewed as natural, empowering, exploitative, or outright abuse when done without consent. The context isn’t always made obvious. As viewers, we must take a nuanced approach to images. Exactly what are we looking at? Who produced the image? What is their intention? What is being asked of us as we view the image?

My photograph ‘Reveal’ takes the human woman out of the frame. It’s a photograph of bark lifting away from a flesh-coloured tree trunk. Part of my ‘Layering the Landscape’ collection, exhibited in the 2014 Golden Plains Arts Trail’.

Most people see ‘Reveal’ as a representation of a female crotch. In this sense I am offering a work that has ambiguity and abstraction. Conversations about it vary. They range from ‘That’s a bit rude…’ to an exasperated ‘What is that supposed to be?’ complete with a blushing face. Some people express appreciation for the way I have framed the shot. Some comment on the way I ‘see’ the human form in trees.

With ‘Reveal’ I am asking the question “What does it mean to be exposed?” The answer is in the mind of the viewer. Each one will take away a unique view of my work.

Abstraction in my Art

By definition, abstraction is the process of distancing an artwork from reality. This may be in different ways and to different degrees. I found the website IdeelArt an online gallery for contemporary abstract art, helpful. It shows a range of different abstract works and techniques.

When I paint an abstract artwork, it is simply an expression of what I am feeling. This is conveyed in what I consider to be an interesting arrangement of form, colour and texture. Themes and conscious intentions are secondary or not considered at all.

This post is already long. I will continue the theme of ambiguity and abstraction in the next few posts. In the meantime, here is a glimpse of some of my abstract work.

Click on an image to see it full screen.