Mystery Makes Marvels
Mystery Makes Marvels
By: Gavin Mannino
February 27th, 2022 7:10 PM EST
Hand through door, 1969
Ralph Gibson
Part of what makes art great is mystery. The not-knowing of something makes that something interesting. From detective noirs to who was the girl that smiled at you, the quest for an answer is captivating. I remember when I started watching Twin Peaks, I was not very sure of what was going on but I knew I wanted to figure it out. The thrill of trying to understand something that is complex or hard to understand is exhilarating and fun. Symbolism embodies the culture of art, and as a viewer, we are responsible with figuring out what the symbolism in a specific artwork means to us. But as I learned from Twin Peaks, sometimes there is not an answer or a big secret. Sometimes, mysteries are just meant to be enjoyed.
Part of what makes art great is mystery. The not-knowing of something makes that something interesting. From detective noirs to who was the girl that smiled at you, the quest for an answer is captivating. I remember when I started watching Twin Peaks, I was not very sure of what was going on but I knew I wanted to figure it out. The thrill of trying to understand something that is complex or hard to understand is exhilarating and fun. Symbolism embodies the culture of art, and as a viewer, we are responsible with figuring out what the symbolism in a specific artwork means to us. But as I learned from Twin Peaks, sometimes there is not an answer or a big secret. Sometimes, mysteries are just meant to be enjoyed.
I felt this message when viewing this image taken by Ralph Gibson. There is a feeling of an underlying message, a secret meaning. But I do not have to find out what that secret message is to enjoy the image, by itself the image is interesting and mysterious. As I learned with watching Twin Peaks and other films by David Lynch, there can be more than one experience when viewing art. There is the knowing and unknowing observation. Knowing the hidden context of a work of art can alter the way you see it forever, and in a way, can rob the viewer of their own personal experience. Of course, it is always fun solving the big mystery or uncovering a hidden meaning in an artwork, but not knowing can be just as fun.
I found myself completely in a state of awe and confusion when watching Twin Peaks, but that was the best part and made the show one of my favorites. Same goes for the Ralp Gibson's Hand through door, the photograph itself is mysterious and captivating, but I do not need to peel up the film to get more satisfaction from it. Not knowing sometimes can be just as good as being in the know. The mystery the image holds will make me marvel regardless of if I know or not the true meaning behind it.
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