Standing Before An Abstract Painting

What do you see

What is it One might ask at first glance That would be the wrong question There is a different kind of encounter at play

Colors and shapes juxtaposed In seemingly random ways Soothing at times Yet challenging the beholder To find a connecting thread Everything is supposed to make sense after all My logical mind insists The painter offers another path for you to consider Her abstract work of art invites you to Put your eagerness to understand aside Immerse yourself in the vision Opening yourself to an emotional response Simply be one with the canvas

When younger I would often yield to the temptation of saying When viewing an abstract work “Why bother with this A hundred years from now Won’t a watcher simply laugh at its apparent absurdity It doesn’t even stand for anything”

Older now My perspective has changed Reflecting that the abstract painting before me Will in fact forever be seen in a new light Through the unique prism of each person that looks at it Making it a new creation With every interaction Each viewer becomes an active participant Along with the original artist In the re-creation of the painting Which is ever alive Malleable Personal Remaining faithful to the artist But you can be part of it also

What an achievement One to envy Leading me to the question Can my words ever be conjoined in such an abstract way That they only suggest Hint at possibilities Open to many interpretations Not choosing my typical linear path Allowing a reader to not only relate to a message But to participate in the authorship

One writer here on Medium That goes by the name of Thief Has demonstrated that it can be done So I shall strive one day to emulate him in some small way If I can but leave my mind behind And let my heart dream a delightful cornucopia of wonderments