Artistic Interpretation and Intentions

Introduction

• Experience with a painting: different interpretations by viewer and friend.
• Discussion of the impact of artist's intentions on interpretation.

Case Study of the Painting

• Personal interpretation of the painting:
  • Red symbolizes love.
  • Silver dots represent stars in a romantic sky.
• Friend's interpretation:
  • Red symbolizes war.
  • Silver dots represent pollutants from global warming.
• Discovery of the artist’s intention:
  • Red was favorite color; silver dots are fairies.

Questions Raised

• Is it wrong to enjoy art differently than the artist intended?
• Does knowledge of the artist’s intention diminish enjoyment?
• How much should an artist's intention influence interpretation?

Philosophical Perspectives on Artistic Intention

Intentional Fallacy (W.K. Wimsatt & Monroe Beardsley)

• Argued that artistic intention is irrelevant to interpretation.
  • Two main points:
    1. Artists may no longer be living or accessible to clarify intentions.
    2. Focusing on intentions distracts from qualities of the artwork itself.
• Comparison to tasting dessert:
  • Enjoyment is based on flavor/texture, not the chef's intentions.
• Different interpretations can appeal to different viewers.

Rejection of Intentional Fallacy (Steven Knapp & Walter Benn Michaels)

• Argued that an artist's intended meaning is the only valid interpretation.
• Example: marks in sand spelling poetry
  • If not created by a human, loses meaning and context.

Middle Ground (Noel Carroll)

• Suggested that intention is one part of the interpretive puzzle.
• Comparison to conversation:
  • Speaker's intentions guide the audience's understanding and response.
  • Example: Asking for a match implies intention to light a cigarette.

Conclusion

• Complexity of artistic interpretation:
  • No definitive answer on the role of artist's intentions.
• Personal reflection:
  • Where do you lean on the spectrum of interpretation?