Introduction
Art, in its myriad forms and expressions, often wields a two-edged sword- one that reveals the artist's perception and another that resonates with the viewer's interpretation. This duality, often referred to as dichotomy in art, is a fascinating aspect that lends depth to the aesthetic experience. Concurrently, the concept of convergence in art, where distinct elements meet, clash, or blend, is equally intriguing, intensifying the visual appeal of the artwork. This article delves into the intricate nuances of dichotomy and convergence in art, offering a comprehensive perspective.
Dichotomy and Convergence in Art
Dichotomy in art essentially refers to the dual nature of an artwork. It's a phenomenon where an artwork, especially a representational one, presents two distinct aspects at once. For instance, while looking at a painting, we discern the depicted subject and simultaneously recognize the medium—paint, ink, plaster, metal, or stone—used to create that representation.
When examining the dichotomous nature of pictures, it's crucial to understand that pictures aren't limited to being artworks. Yet, all pictures share the property of dichotomy with all representational artworks. This dichotomy is often recognized by researchers, who have dubbed it as a kind of "double consciousness" or "dual state of mind." It's a state where viewers are aware of two distinct and incompatible aspects of the work simultaneously. The dichotomous nature of representational paintings has been a topic of extensive debate among art historians, theorists, and philosophers. They argue that it's a necessary condition for seeing representations that we are simultaneously aware of the object depicted and the medium of which it is composed. Artists often exploit the dichotomous nature of their works for aesthetic effects. They create works that appear as an arrangement of materials, such as paint, ink, plaster, or metal, while also depicting something else — a person, a landscape, an emotion. This dual aspect of artworks often induces a sense of perceptual dissonance in viewers, making the artwork more intriguing.
Jackson Pollock - Convergence, 1952. Oil on canvas
The term 'convergence' in art typically refers to a point where parallel lines move together, closing at a viewer's eye level. The application of convergence is to create a depth of field. Two-dimensional surfaces, such as canvas or paper, can be used to create the illusion of depth using a formal element in art, namely 'line.' The convergence of perspective, where an image plane has a vanishing point where the lines converge, helps create the illusion of three-dimensional space. It gives the perspective of three-dimensional space, making the artwork appear more realistic to life: convergence lines help an artist maintain perspective, thereby making the image more realistic. While these lines are imaginary, they allow for proper distance to be drawn in the creation of the illusion of three-dimensional space. In abstract art, the definitions of dichotomy and convergence take on alternative meanings. Convergence within abstract art can be a point where multiple objects meet, clash, or blend together. The focus is more on the idea of what the artist wishes to represent rather than the realism of the objects: it is possible therefore to point out that in the contemporary artistic scene, the concept of convergence is to be intended in its metaphorical sense. This way, the thin red line that separates it from the alternate concept of dichotomy becomes more and more blurred.
Conclusion
The dynamic interplay of dichotomy and convergence in art is a testament to the boundless creativity and complex thought processes of artists. By embracing these concepts, artists can manipulate the viewer's perception, creating compelling artworks that resonate on multiple levels. The study of these concepts helps us appreciate the depths of artistic expression, enabling us to perceive art in a more nuanced and insightful manner.
written by Sara Spelta
Featured Image
Jackson Pollock - Convergence, 1952. Oil on canvas. support: 93 1/2 x 155 inches (237.49 x 393.7 cm); framed: 95 1/4 x 157 1/8 x 3 inches (241.94 x 399.1 x 7.62 cm). Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York. Gift of Seymour H. Knox, Jr., 1956. K1956:7. © Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Literature
I, A. (2020, April 23). Convergence by Jackson Pollock. The Artist. https://www.theartist.me/artwork/convergence/
Pepperell, R. (2015, June 9). Artworks as dichotomous objects: implications for the scientific study of aesthetic experience. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00295
Berger, J. (2014), Ways of Seeing, Penguin Books.https://www.ways-of-seeing.com/ch1
J. (2022, June 24). What Is Convergence In Art | Wood Art Studio. Wood Art Studio | Wood Artwork Going Beyond Home Decor. https://woodart.studio/2022/04/26/what-is-convergence-in-art/