Questionable Symbolism
Bozeman, Montana
2026
This sculptural piece seems to be designed to represent some important symbolism. But I searched around and found nothing describing the shape in any meaningful way, except perhaps as a vague takeoff of a traditional Chinese bi disk, made out of wood rather than jade. But that seems a bit of stretch, especially for a $12 Ross Dress for Less store purchase that’s been sitting around our house for years. Still, I’m quite intrigued by the design, symbolic or not.
This sculpture is one that provides an optical illusion of the figure/ground type. I can shift my vision of it so the inner circle is going “in” or the inner circle is going “out”. In the first case, the image is a tunnel. In the second case it is a bulging eye. Intriguing!!
I kind of see that effect, but since I know what it’s actual shape is, it’s harder for my eyes/mind to see otherwise.
Then again, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar…
Yes, exactly.