Ambiguity AND clarity

Art is ambiguous. Self-expression is ambiguous. It’s intentionally so because it is often an expression of thoughts and feelings for different reasons (venting, explaining, seeking feedback, marketing, validation, etc.). It’s what makes art (regardless of the vehicle of expression) what it is. I enjoy writing poetry, doing photography, and even writing some music. I know I have a meaning in all of it (usually anyway) while also knowing that people receive it and place themselves in it or create their own meanings for it. Literature, music, paintings, sculptures, etc. have meanings to me that are likely different than meanings they have for others. There is nothing inherently wrong with that.

However, ambiguity can lead to confusion and misunderstandings sometimes. What is communicated is not always what is interpreted That’s what makes art fun in a lot of ways but also what makes art tricky. I can start to put myself into a story that isn’t really mine or have an interpretation that directly contradicts the creator.

Author’s intent matters. I might interpret a song a certain way and it hits just right. Then I discover what the musician/composer was thinking or what they meant in writing and performing it. Often, it means even more to me than without that knowledge. But sometimes it means I missed the point but still had a good experience.

Ideally, art and expression remain ambiguous but are also seen as part of the creator’s larger catalog of work. That larger catalog includes very clear expressions of meaning that cannot be misinterpreted sprinkled consistently in the midst of the ambiguity. In business communications this is known as cadence. It’s the best of both worlds. Everything doesn’t always have to be spelled out with absolute clarity, but sometimes it does and that makes art and expression even stronger.

Sometimes it’s good to be absolutely clear and unambiguous. Does anyone have to guess when they see this sign at 9:17am? Can anyone insert their own meaning here?

Clarity has a place in art and expression!

Much of what is posted and commented in these spaces is art in some form. This is one perspective on the potential value of communicating with both ambiguity and clarity.