Illustration, at its core, is to communicate a specific topic visually. To take pre-existing knowledge or content and to re-frame it, in a new and aesthetic format. With this project, I removed that element. Taking away the pre-existing content to allow the viewer to apply their own understanding and context. Allowing my illustrations and art to stand freely but with the intention that the viewer can decide what purpose it holds.
This project is a demonstration of our capability as human beings to apply meaning to the meaningless. This is a take on the psychological Rorschach inkblot test from 1921, how our brains subconsciously and almost effortlessly seek to discover images and symbols within an ink smudge. Perception is everything, how you perceive the work changes the context and content for every individual, even with the same perspective.
!['Cards of meaning'; How the cards are perceived by every individual is different. The cards alone represent nothing and the illustrations stand in isolation. Although because of this, each card has infinite meanings, as it changes for every individual based on how they perceive the imagery.](https://2022.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/lewis-allen/78eca4e834-1653060624/1-thumbnail-1200x-q90.jpg)
'Cards of meaning'; How the cards are perceived by every individual is different. The cards alone represent nothing and the illustrations stand in isolation. Although because of this, each card has infinite meanings, as it changes for every individual based on how they perceive the imagery.
![](https://2022.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/lewis-allen/2e96de389a-1653060625/2-cardsofmeaning2-1200x-q90.jpg)
![](https://2022.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/lewis-allen/c265948148-1653060626/3-cardsofmeaning3-1200x-q90.jpg)
!['Perception is Art'; Zine](https://2022.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/lewis-allen/c21ae263db-1653060627/4-zine-1200x-q90.jpg)
'Perception is Art'; Zine
![When the zine is reversed, it becomes a zine of ink-blots. What can you see?](https://2022.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/lewis-allen/64628e1149-1653060627/5-zine2-1200x-q90.jpg)
When the zine is reversed, it becomes a zine of ink-blots. What can you see?
!['The masks of individuality'; Although they look similar, each of them are original. Behind the mask your perception doesn't change but for those around you, their perception of you changes for them. Highlighting you as an individual, your own being with your own perception.](https://2022.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/lewis-allen/653c1efb23-1653060628/6-masks-1200x-q90.jpg)
'The masks of individuality'; Although they look similar, each of them are original. Behind the mask your perception doesn't change but for those around you, their perception of you changes for them. Highlighting you as an individual, your own being with your own perception.
![](https://2022.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/lewis-allen/d151df37ff-1653060629/7-finalspread-1200x-q90.jpg)