‘To Name, Or Not To Name’ Does It Matter If Artwork Is Titled?

When a piece of art has a title, does it influence your perception of it?

Nine times out of ten I name my paintings once they’re completed. 

As an intuitive painter, I respond to strokes and marks as opposed to executing a vision and its story. I wait to see what the work has to say which takes time to emerge.  

For me, when potential titles start showing up in my brain, it’s a sign I’m nearing the end.

In speaking to other artists I’ve queried “to name or not to name?”  

Some have told me they want the art to speak for itself. That no single title could encompass the many interpretations the work offers to different viewers. For these artists, they might name a series and give each piece in that series a number.  

Some think we create because we have something to say so there must be a title for it. Others have said you must name your work of art because the public expects it.

In speaking to a non-artist I heard “a painting absolutely must have a title". Though they were unable to give me a reason why.   

Another friend who thought artwork titles were important, bought a piece from me. The piece I’d created evoked memories he held dear. The imagery was so strong for him he requested a different title to the one I’d given it. Perhaps the title was more symbolic for him than interpretive?

Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer. 

I’ve come to realize I name my work because each piece holds a part of me.

I name my pieces based on various reasons. It could be a belief, observance, memory or otherwise. I want to acknowledge each piece as a part of myself and for me, a title expresses this.  It is my hope that each viewer can experience my work on their own without any interference from me.

Some recent pieces, Groundswell and Falling Forward are good examples. They allow the viewer to interpret and experience them without my title influencing them.

For those that are wondering, I did rename the painting for my friend. But in my records, it’s kept as ‘his title’ AKA ‘my title’.

It felt perfect.