2011 Mixed Messages

2011 Mixed Messages

All Rights Reserved Book Design & Layout by Nichole Hongchang

"Mixed Messages" is an exhibition that addresses how multiple realities are evident in artwork. Every artist interprets reality from his/her point of view. Even the viewer brings their reality into their visual interaction with the art piece. There is no consensus of meaning. As semiotics reminds us, what is signified by the signifer (the art piece in this case) is dependent on individual interpretations. Thus, the content of an artwork contains "mixed messages" because there are mixed viewpoints. Herbert Marcuse addressed this issue in his work entitled The Aesthetic Dimension: Toward A Critique ofMarxist Aesthetics. In this work, Marcuse discussed how some artists focus on contradictions in their artwork. According to Marcuse, they do this in order to reveal contradictions that exist in society so that a better society might become a reality. It is important to note that Marcuse felt that revealing contradictions was not enough in itself. He advocated that the artwork must also reveal hope so that revelation of "contradictions" does not lead to despair and resignation. Moreover, Marcuse noted that an artwork does not change society, but that it can change people who can change society. So contradictions can be mixed messages. Since all artists do not seek to create work that seeks to meet the call that Marcuse advocates, we must consider "mixed messages" from another perspective. Let us consider the creative process. An art piece begins with artist intent. That is the origin of the work. As the process of art making progresses, the work may shift and change the original intent. Sometimes this is done consciously, and at other times the unconscious determines the direction in which the artist will go with the art piece. This also may yield mixed messages. Mixed messages occur around us all of the time. They can create problems in communication. One might define a situation in one way, and someone else might define the same situation in another way. This applies to words and acts. At minimum misunderstanding can occur, and at worst conflict can result. Artists must enter this equation to share their visual representations of this phenomenon. Globalization is part of the postmodern condition. Thus, "Mixed Messages" is an important exhibition presented in the international context because nation-states and cultural differences are important sources of misunderstandings. We live in a time where we must recognize and respect our respective differences, nationally and internationally. It is the task of the artist to reveal meaning that helps us to deal with the human condition. "Mixed Messages" is an attempt in this direction.