Intention In Contemporary Art

Motive is as elusive to determine for the observer as it is for the observer to determine the feeling an artist has while creating a piece of artwork. Much is the same even for an artist who is reflecting upon their own work. Speculation as to an Artist’s intent behind production can be as productive as painting with no means to paint, lest mutual agreement is clear (whether prima facie or as the result of discourse).

As counterintuitive as it may be, it is clearer at present to determine one‘s own intent behind creation beforehand than to reflect and determine the intention behind the artwork created. The moment had already passed, and emotion too. All in all, we are left to interpret the artist's intent, from whichever "clues" see as fitting as to our own assurance is concerned. More often than not, these become the subject of discourse in the contemporary art community. These could be interviews, other works, or even from friends or family (often this is the case if the artist in question has passed).

Intention is carried into active creation, and a piece is "finished" at the artist's discretion. To derive meaning from the reflection upon the creative intent held seems akin to reminiscence/nostalgia, from which, a mutual agreement could be agreed upon. This is because intent is ephemeral. Perhaps take a look into hindsight bias when looking at a piece, and the shift of meaning through time.

From the work of Jean Paul Sartre comes the thesis, "Existence>Essence".

At the same time, this applies to our perception of artistry through our own growth. As the only constant being change, meaning shifts as we do. Lest artists have a biological disparity in their construct, the artists' own estimation of their work is subject to change in the same vein as the audience.

Intention is vital, whatever the intention may be. In art, it is an inextricable facet of the creative process. While the permanence of intent is certain for the artist, its discernment by the audience is subject to variance. It is sometimes varying in clarity to the artist themselves. For the artist, awareness of intent could be a part of your creative process, or not. As such, it is still a part of the process, whether indiscernible or clear. It is.