elsewhere





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T I T L E S

I've been reading about how artists decide on titles for their work. Artist, Robert Genn, had some thoughts on the subject: "The right title makes a difference as to how a work is seen and understood. Not only are titles a bridge to the viewer, they are also part of the art. There are five main kinds of titles:

~ sentimental
~ numerical
~ factual
~ abstract
~ mysterious

Like cut-lines to newspaper illustrations, titles serve to confirm what's seen but also to add knowledge, insight, and a glimpse into the author's mind-set. On the other hand, art titling is often used to obfuscate or evoke irony.

Abstract art can present titling challenges. The formal values of the work itself may be mentioned e.g. "Red on Blue." Titling can also give viewers a clue that might help them on a voyage of imagination and discovery. Sometimes, in this direction, you don't want to say too much. Brevity is enigmatic."

Another author (unknown) lists these alternatively named five categories of titles which I find more to my liking:

~ descriptive
~ narrative
~ directive
~ poetic
~ arbitrary

As Gustave Coubet says "Titles do not give a just idea of things; were it otherwise, the work would be superfluous."