the beauty of imperfections in art

by Zainab A.

Ambiguity can be defined as inexactness or being open to many interpretations. As an observer, these pieces are room for one’s mind to wander and get creative. In a world where things are so easily categorized and perfectly curated, I believe it is the uncertainties that keeps us aligned and able to grow. I have explored and learned about many abstract pieces throughout my life, some being symmetrical and others more free-formed. I’ve noticed that sometimes the simplest pieces hold the most meaning, even if they don’t look realistic or depict things in a lifelike manner. This inexactness creates gaps to infer and question an art piece, adding more to the story that it tells. These are the pieces that keep us thinking, “What was this artist feeling when they created this?” or “What exactly am I looking at?” It is more like a puzzle for us to solve, but one that might not have an exact answer.

As an avid painter and someone who pays a lot of attention to detail, some of the most renowned art pieces are simple rather than realistic. I find that the aspect of openness to interpretation creates an elevated meaning when one looks closely. Take Etoile Blue (Blue Star) by Joan Miro, as an example.

When looking at this painting, I could easily come up with variations of what I thought was going on in the piece. The lack of resemblance to real life creates even more personality and mystery. Sometimes even creating a window to our minds and tapping into new meaning.

What do you see when you take a first look at this painting? Take a moment and create this story for yourself. Feel free to look at it from multiple angles as well and get creative!

I have looked at this painting in a few different angles and here are my top takes:

1) A sad or somewhat unpleasant looking face

2) A woman in a pink gown entering a doorway after climbing a set of stairs

3) An airplane in the sky among a city

Were any of your ideas similar to mine?

While this work does not have an exact story behind it, some of Miro’s common themes and symbols in art are dreams and constellations.1 Taking in this information recalibrates my mind looking at the painting another time, but now knowing an additional piece of information. Miro’s and the work of countless other non-figurative artists has shaped society and allowed for us to create meaning in what we are seeing. Perhaps peering into vague artwork is just the right amount of ambiguity we need in a world full of detail.