Explain the process of "selective perception," indicating how this subjective process can result in differing interpretations of works of visual art

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Different factors are at play when viewing and interpreting an artwork so students should be specific in their response. In general, the subjective nature of perception explains why a work of art may mean different things to different people: when looking at art, we bring the whole of our prior experience—the culture we grew up in, relationships we have had, places we have seen, knowledge we have accumulated. Further, the more we know, the richer each new encounter with art will be, for we will have more experience to bring to it.