Reflexionsbilder

Reflexionsbilder, a German term translating to "reflection images" or "images of reflection," refers to a concept in art and philosophy that explores the interplay between representation and the viewer's internal experience. It suggests that artworks are not merely passive depictions of reality but active catalysts that provoke thought, feeling, and personal interpretation. The term emphasizes that the meaning of an artwork is co-created by the artist, the object depicted, and the viewer's own background, memories, and perspectives.

This concept is often discussed in relation to abstract art, where the absence of direct representation invites a more subjective engagement. However, it can also apply to figurative art, as different viewers may find themselves reflecting on different aspects of a depicted scene or subject. The "reflection" can be of the viewer's own emotions, their understanding of the world, or even the very process of perception itself.

In essence, Reflexionsbilder highlights the idea that art serves as a mirror, not just to the external world, but to the internal landscape of the observer. It encourages a dynamic relationship between the artwork and its audience, where looking becomes a form of introspection. The effectiveness of such an image is measured not solely by its technical skill or fidelity to its subject, but by its capacity to stimulate a personal and meaningful response within the viewer. This approach shifts the focus from the artwork as a finished object to the artwork as a starting point for dialogue and self-discovery.