A picture is worth more than a thousand words.
This is a common saying and is used in different ways but the most common of them is to buttress how an image is better understood than elaborate explanations.
When visual artists create their works, they could be paintings or sculptures, observers are drawn to them, and from the image, they can make inferences about what message the artist intends to pass to observers with his art. Many times, art goes a long way in passing the message of the artists than if the artist were to make a long speech.
Pictures are indeed worth a thousand words but is that always a good thing?
Just like with nearly everything that exists, there are disadvantages attached to observers being able to make their inferences from the works of artists. A picture or an image is a good way to show and not tell, but how important are captions?
Below are three reasons why visual artists should caption their works.
Pictures can be confusing
Pictures may tell a story, but sometimes, they tell a confusing story. An image or picture can further confuse observers as to what the intention of the artist is or what the artist wants them to see. A caption helps observers have a clearer understanding of the artist’s intentions and the message in the art.
2. An understanding of pictures is very often subjective.
The saying “We see things as we are, not as they are,” rings true. When an artwork is without a caption from its maker, it is often subject to the personal interpretations of observers. People tend to project their reality, beliefs, and personal bias on the work of artists and may end up making inferences that are in no way related to the intentions of the artist when creating. Not many artists will enjoy their art being given an interpretation that is very different from what they originally intended. To reduce the chances of this happening, artists can provide a caption for their works. That way, observers are guided toward the mind of the artist and they understand by looking at the art and reading the caption, the intention of the artist.
3. The artist can sturdily and consistently pass a message with their art.
An artist who wants to pass a message on a topic of great importance to them should be less interested in leaving their art open to varying interpretations. When a piece of work is properly captioned, the artist passes a strong message leaving no room for conflicting opinions on their intention.
Despite the importance of artists captioning their works, sometimes, the artist deliberately shows off their works without a caption so that observers and viewers can make their inferences from their works.