Perception, Context, and the Role of the Viewer in Recognition, and in RECOGNITION's artwork: The Science of Object Recognition and The Art of Simplified Forms - Chapter 8

Welcome to the eighth instalment of this series exploring how my art interacts with the science of recognition. If you missed the previous posts, check them out here

If this artwork was placed at or in the area of the famous London building, recognition of it goes up greatly. If displayed in a country the other side of the world, the lower emotional connection and exposure most viewers have had mean it is recognised much less often

How Context Shapes Recognition

Recognition is not just about what we see—it’s about the context in which we see it. The same shape can take on vastly different meanings depending on where and how it is presented. Our brains rely on environmental clues, surrounding details, and personal experiences to interpret images correctly.

In my work, by focusing on the subject and removing the context in which it sits, it stretches the challenge my artwork is intended to provide - whether the viewer is able to identify the subject in front of them. This is the first step I take in integrating teh role of the viewer in the recognition of the subject.

Two people can see the same thing and interpret it very differently, based on their knowledge, experiences and assumptions

The Psychology of Perception in Art

Our ability to recognise objects and symbols is deeply connected to how our brains process visual information. Gestalt psychology, for instance, describes how humans naturally seek patterns and organise visual elements into meaningful wholes. Some key principles include:

• Closure: The brain fills in missing information to perceive a complete shape.

• Similarity: Objects that share visual characteristics are grouped together in the mind.

• Proximity: Elements that are close together are perceived as related.

  
  

By understanding these principles, I can manipulate perception in my artwork, encouraging the viewer to engage more deeply in the act of recognition.

Guiding Recognition Through Handwritten Clues

Abstraction and being able to recognise a subject has a different breaking point for each of us. Something very familiar to one may be able to be abstracted more, or differently, and be recognised by that person more than by someone that has had limited or no exposure or connection to the subject.

In some of my pieces where the abstraction or simplification of a subject is greater, or I have used symbols to represent a subject, I may introduce handwritten words or phrases over symbols and abstracted forms. These textual elements act as subtle clues, bridging the gap between abstraction and recognition. A few words hinting at a landmark’s history, cultural impact, or a humorous reference can prompt the viewer to make the connection.

This approach enhances engagement, inviting the audience to piece together meaning through both visual and linguistic cues. The moment of realisation—when the text and image align—creates a rewarding experience that mirrors the way we naturally identify and interpret the world around us.

While other artists at the show had a title accompanying their work, here you can see it has been blanked out on my piece

The ‘Aha!’ Moment in Exhibitions

One of my most satisfying experiences in art is the moment when recognition clicks into place. It can be quick, it can be hard work as the viewer tries to connect with and identify the subject. But that split second when a piece transforms from lines, symbols, shapes and colours, into something with meaning, history, and life, I find amazing.

To avoid spoiling this moment, in exhibitions and galleries I typically hide the subject from the viewer, letting the viewer choose when to find out if their suspicions were correct. This creates an ‘aha!’ moment—a sudden rush of clarity and understanding that can feel almost like solving a puzzle.

This moment of recognition triggers a small dopamine release in the brain, reinforcing a sense of satisfaction and engagement. Whether confirming a viewer’s suspicion or revealing an unexpected truth, this dynamic interaction between artwork and observer makes the experience more personal and memorable.

The owner of this piece rearranged the canvases in a way that suited them, and I fully support this!

Letting the Viewer Shape the Composition - The final step in Integrating the Role of the Viewer in recognition of my Artwork

I love allowing the owner of a map piece to become part of the artwork itself by choosing how to arrange it on the wall. While I provide a suggested orientation, the final composition is entirely up to them. They can rotate the piece, experiment with placement, or even spread canvases around a room to create a more immersive effect.

This interaction transforms the artwork into something personal, where the viewer is an active participant rather than just an observer. The way a map is positioned can influence the recognition process—lining up elements makes the subject clearer, while a rotated or rearranged piece challenges the viewer to engage more deeply with the abstraction.

By encouraging this creative freedom, I invite people to think about space, form, and recognition in their own way. The act of deciding how to hang a piece becomes part of the experience, reinforcing the connection between the art and the owner’s personal perspective.

Conclusion: Recognition as an Interactive Experience

Recognition is not just about what is seen—it is about how we see, interpret, and connect with images. By playing with context, perception, and subtle clues, my work invites viewers to actively participate in the process of recognition.

In the next chapter, we’ll explore the role of ambiguity in recognition and engagement, and how uncertainty can enhance artistic interpretation.