The ontology of the ineffable

Abstract

In this essay, Taoism and other philosophical references are juxtaposed with contemporary art historical figures to supplement Zach Miller's explanation of his own artwork. Themes explored include the relationships between language, creation, destruction, positivity, idealism, negativity, sense and manifestation. Miller argues that sense transcends the functionality of the linguistic notions of signification, especially in relation to translating ineffable qualities of experience. Conceptual influences are balanced by explanations of aesthetic processes involved in the creation of Miller's work to show similarities between ideas and artistic behaviors. Miller reveals the potential liberating experiences of creating artwork in the face of the meaninglessness and impossibility of the objective knowledge of reality.