3 AMBIGUITY
LEAVING THE WORK OPEN TO DIVERSE INTERPRETATION
Sometimes a work of art acquires strength by projecting a structure or meaning that is ambiguous.
VARIETIES
• Perceptual ambiguity
A representation of a three-dimensional formation that can be interpreted in alternative ways. The classic example is the Necker cube, a drawing of a cube that can be seen as occupying space in two alternative ways. The most notable artist to explore perceptual ambiguity was M. C. Escher (1898–1972). In many of his works, ambiguities of both recognition and spatial construction are presented in endlessly playful and provocative ways.
• Ambiguity of recognition
A representational element has more than one interpretation due to inadequate or confusing cues. ...
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