The Meaning Within: How Art Holds Inherent Intent from the Conscious and Subconscious Mind.

We often discuss the nature of Art with and without intent and the measurement of perceived quality that comes with this assessment, its remained a common belief that not all art has meaning, different genres, different mediums, different techniques can produce a wide array of outcomes, from seemingly random to a complete narrative. This conversation is further complicated by the assessment of art’s perceived quality, where the belief persists that art imbued with clear, conceptual intent always carries more value. The notion that intentionality is necessary for art to have worth has pressured countless artists, both emerging and established, to constantly prove the significance of their work.

Yet, I believe that art inherently carries meaning, whether intentionally crafted or subconsciously influenced. Even if an artist claims to have created something entirely at random, the act of creation itself cannot escape the depths of the conscious or subconscious mind. Our decisions as creators are shaped by our intrinsic experiences, emotions, and the cultural influences that surround us. These factors guide every choice we make, even when we are unaware of their presence.

Consider the act of photographing lets say a yellow flower. Suppose you didn’t plan to tell a story, write a poem, or assign any particular meaning to the image. Maybe you simply thought it was beautiful, and the appreciation for that beauty was enough to motivate you to take the photo. However, if we stop and dig deeper, we realize that there was more at play in this seemingly random act. Subconsciously, what does the flower symbolize for you? How do its colors make you feel? Does it evoke a memory or an emotion tied to a particular experience in your life?

Every artistic decision, from the composition of an image to the choice of color, is an expression of something internal. These choices may not be consciously recognized, but they are deeply rooted in our own histories, beliefs, and emotions. Meaning, therefore, is always present in art, even if it is not explicitly assigned. The depth of that meaning may vary depending on the artist’s intent, but the fundamental truth remains: art speaks to us because it channels something universal, something intrinsic to the human experience.

Even when an artist claims that their work holds no meaning, this assertion can itself carry profound significance. A decision to create without meaning could reflect feelings of apathy, rebellion, or detachment. It may even suggest a desire to leave interpretation open ended, to allow the viewer to inject their own sense of meaning into the piece. These choices, like all artistic decisions, are expressions of the human condition, reflecting thoughts, emotions, and philosophies that often exist beneath the surface of our conscious awareness.

These unconscious patterns emerge as part of a deeper, internal process. In many ways, art serves as a mirror to the artist’s psyche, revealing truths about the self that might not be accessible through rational thought or deliberate intention. The beauty of this is that meaning in art is not confined to a single, binary interpretation. It is fluid, evolving, and most importantly, it is always present. Whether the artist acknowledges it or not, the creation of art is an act deeply intertwined with the mind, and within that act itself, meaning always exists on some level.

This philosophy underscores the idea that every piece of art carries value, not just in its intention, but in the layers of subconscious expression that form its essence. Art is not merely the result of conscious thought; it is a reflection of the full spectrum of human experience, including the thoughts and emotions we may not fully understand. It speaks to both the artist and the viewer in ways that transcend words, offering us a deeper connection to the essence of being human.