Title Me!

The 'Title Me!' Project originated during my time in the Visual Communication department at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I would share my abstract drawings with peers and ask them, “What would you title this?” This simple question allowed each person to interpret my artwork in a more active way then just looking at it. In titling it, they collaborated with me and took ownership of it. What intrigued me most was how these titles often revealed imagery that I had never considered. Because abstract work is interpreted in such diverse and unexpected ways by engaged viewers. Often, after offering a title, they'd look at me and ask, “Is that what it is?” And invariably, the answer had to be “Yes!” Whether or not the interpretation aligned with my own original ideas was far less important than the viewer’s perspective and the richness their title brought to the work.

In 2005, I started posting my drawings in online art communities. I labeled each post, “Title me!” with little to no other explanation. The creativity immediately began pouring in from everywhere. Hilarious, poetic, silly and downright brilliant titles were posted, and I began to record each title. Whenever possible, previously given titles are included with an opportunity to add to the collection. 

jemal diamond

 

Art Ark Gallery, San Jose, CA