But what does it mean?

When we look at a work of art, our nature compels us to look for and try to decipher hidden meanings within the piece. However, does every work of art really have to reveal some deeper intent or hidden truth?

I believe it was the abstract artist Jackson Pollok who once asked if a person would look for the meaning of a captivating sunset or a beautiful landscape. Sometimes a sunset is just a sunset. He said that was all that he intended to reveal with his paintings, just to present an image that was pleasing to the eye.

I try to keep this in mind when I see a very aesthetically pleasing photograph. More than likely, the artist merely wants to share a moment of beauty with us.

Sometimes a sunset is just a sunset.

Sunset on the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada