Phenomenology

 

    The viewer is able to interpret an object or person however they want. This then leads to the perception of the artist. Our embodied existence is dependent on the people and things around us because of interpretation. Jones explains "The meaning of the work, the perceived identities of its maker and depicted subjects are all, then, intertwined in the act of interpretation. In a reciprocal circuit, these identities are all implicated in the identity of the interpreter".  Jones goes on to say that there is a "reciprocal interrelation between the viewing subject and the object she views, and between the viewer and the subject who is identified with the object as its maker". 

    The way that we discuss an artist's biography and intentions reflects own identity, biases, and preconceived notions because our perception is our own. It's a mirror. I see this a lot in the real world where myself or a friend will think poorly on a certain aspect of another person. When I catch myself being judgmental I'll ask myself what is it that I see in them that I dislike within myself? Another example may be when your perception of things starts to become your reality. If your outward view on something is negative, your experience will most likely be negative. If your outward view on something is positive, it's likely that you'll have a positive experience. Your brain creates your reality and once you've made these assumptions about an artist and their work, your own beliefs, biases, judgments, and preconceived notions take control. It may be hard to shake your perspective until someone shares their own perception.

Our own identity is tied up in the way that we interpret artwork or really anything for that matter, is based on passed and learned experiences. This is because everyone has different life experiences and your experiences are what shape you into who you are as a person. 

     I can see how the separation of mind and body is not possible because our brain is literally a part of our body, however, I like to think that my mind is what makes me, me. Not my body. My body is simply where my soul resides. Sensory experiences play a large part in allowing the soul to have a human/psychedelic experience. Our sensory experiences shape our existence and understanding of the things around us.