Wendy Angel: Comments

A lot has been said, or written or maybe engraved about what art is. Art is about constructing. Constructions of objects, Construction of sounds, Construction of motions, Construction of images, Construction of meanings, Construction of cultures…

It matters which words we use to mean things when we use words to mean things. Making meaning isn’t always easy. How could it be? Why should it be? Destruction is way easier than construction.

Black Fire on White Fire

Oppositions and opposites exist in our thinking in order to help us make sense of things. It helps to define a thing or an idea by what it is not. It helps to look at extreme opposites to set up a perceivable range.

Contrasting extremes excite us, jump forward, grab our attention. If there is no contrast everything blends in a homogenized blah. Depth grows from an infinite set of shades. When extreme high contrast is implemented, it helps to have an excellent pattern. Humm… how do we know excellent, counterpoint mediocre, not to be confused with mundane counterpoint spectacular. Composition isn’t easy.

Easy can be set to oppose difficult. But difficult can be hard or challenging. The right click gives a bunch of synonyms for–

Difficult:  not easy, hard, tough, demanding, thorny, tricky, complicated, intricate, complex
Hard:  difficult, tough, stiff, inflexible, rigid, unbreakable, awkward, solid, firm, durable
Challenging:  demanding, taxing, tough, defiant, disobedient, exigent
Demanding:  hard, insist, command, require, inquire, question
Taxing:  difficult, tiring, exhausting, draining,  strenuous
Tough:  hard, harsh, dangerous, strong, sturdy, robust, hardy, durable
Defiant:  insolent, insubordinate, rebellious, bold
Disobedient:  wayward, naughty, rebellious, noncompliant
Exigent:  demanding, taxing, testing, difficult, tough, tricky