The Open Work (Umberto Eco)

"The Open Work" by Umberto Eco explores how modern art, music, and literature encourage active viewer participation, inviting multiple interpretations rather than a single, fixed meaning. Eco argues that contemporary works are designed to be open-ended, allowing audiences to engage creatively, fill in gaps, and find personal significance. This openness fosters a dynamic relationship between the artwork and its observer, emphasizing adaptability and ongoing reinterpretation. Ultimately, Eco highlights how the concept of an "open work" reflects the evolving, participatory nature of cultural creation in the modern age.