“I try to apply colors like words that shape poems, like notes that shape music. “– Joan Miró

Interpreting art

Anatole France once wrote, “Even a little dog is at the center of his own universe.” There is no single reality. We interpret the world in different ways because our experiences are different. Not only do our pasts differ, but the cones and rods in our eyes also are not the same. And the notes we hear at a concert, like fingerprints, are uniquely our own.

When I paint, I use bold colors and shapes that are influenced by how my eyes see and my ears hear. They are also expressions of past experiences mixed with a little bit of mystery. My pictures tell stories that viewers interpret in their own way. When the paintings are abstract, I am always surprised by the feedback I get. Listening to such varied comments makes me wonder how interpreters of Rorschach tests would analyze the responses.

In a clinical setting, Rorschach tests provide information about healthy emotions. It is a way for people to gain insight into their psyche. The test also helps diagnose diseases like schizophrenia. Assuming most of us are not psychotic, I thought it would be interesting to look at my artwork as though interpreting an inkblot. It might be a way to get to know yourself better.

When shown an image, some patients respond by seeing it in its entirety, while others look at parts. Some focus on the white space, others on color, and still others on the details. When looking at parts of the image, interpretations tend to be more similar. Psychiatrists pay special attention to the uncommon details people see.

Art patrons and clinical patients alike vary in cognitive abilities and perceptual accuracy. They attend viewings with different goals, interests, flexibility of ideas, and emotions. Some come seeking order whereas others find chaos. Following are a few of my abstract pieces. They are labeled by number rather than by name. With a Rorschach test in mind, I’d like to know what you make of them. If you want to know how I labeled them please go to my website under works. You’ll find them in the abstract section. Please comment below.

To see a full selection of art go to www.eichingerfineart.com

and click on works or contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com

Books are available in bookstores and online in paperback and kindle formats. You can find them on Amazon by going to Marilynne Eichinger books https://www.amazon.com/Marilynne-Eichinger/e/B01AON2M4O/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Reference:

Frothingham,B.( 2021) Rorschach Inkblot Test: Definition, History & interpretation. Simply Psychology. retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-the-rorschach-inkblot-test.html