puolikuva

Puolikuva is a Finnish term that translates to "half-image" or "half-picture." It refers to a visual representation that is incomplete or shows only a portion of a whole object or scene. This concept can be applied in various contexts, including art, photography, and design.

In art, a puolikuva might be an unfinished painting where only half of the intended subject has been rendered, or a sculpture that depicts only the front half of a figure. It can be a deliberate artistic choice to evoke a sense of mystery, anticipation, or to focus the viewer's attention on a specific detail. The viewer is often left to imagine or infer what the missing half might look like.

In photography and digital imaging, a puolikuva can refer to an image that has been cropped or partially obscured, revealing only a fragment of the original scene. This can be used to create abstract compositions, to emphasize texture or form, or to tell a story by showing only a suggestive part of a larger narrative. For example, a photograph of a hand reaching for something might be considered a puolikuva if the rest of the person or the object is not visible.

The term can also extend metaphorically to descriptions or narratives that are incomplete, providing only a partial account of events or ideas. In essence, a puolikuva is a visual or conceptual fragment that invites interpretation and engagement with the unseen or implied entirety.