When I'm appreciating art (including the written word) and come across something that makes no sense to me, that intentionality means that I can trust that the reason it seems nonsensical is because I'm missing something, not because it's actually nonsensical. Then I can ponder what it is that I'm missing. A different point of view, a different interpretation, etc., will make the piece click, leading to a moment of enlightenment.
This is perhaps my favorite aspect of art. It's a moment where, maybe just for a fleeting instant, I become aware that I have experienced the world through another person's mind. It's amazing.
But I have to be able to trust there is intentionality there, otherwise why bother actually deeply contemplating the art? Lack of it drains the art of importance. It just turns it into pretty pictures, sounds, words, etc.
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That intentionality is critical in so many ways.
When I'm appreciating art (including the written word) and come across something that makes no sense to me, that intentionality means that I can trust that the reason it seems nonsensical is because I'm missing something, not because it's actually nonsensical. Then I can ponder what it is that I'm missing. A different point of view, a different interpretation, etc., will make the piece click, leading to a moment of enlightenment.
This is perhaps my favorite aspect of art. It's a moment where, maybe just for a fleeting instant, I become aware that I have experienced the world through another person's mind. It's amazing.
But I have to be able to trust there is intentionality there, otherwise why bother actually deeply contemplating the art? Lack of it drains the art of importance. It just turns it into pretty pictures, sounds, words, etc.