Simple, Complicated, and Complex: Exploring A Triptych

Sometimes it’s easier to understand a concept by identifying what it’s like and what it’s not like. The visual nature of a triptych can help us find the obvious and not-so-obvious distinctions along the spectrum from simple to complex.

When you look at these images of stairs, does it feel obvious that Emma’s staircase (yes, I’m Emma and these are my stairs) are simple compared to the other images? When I look at Petar Milošević photograph, I immediately sense a feeling of complexity. I wondered if I am looking up towards the top of the spiral stairs, or am I looking from the very top down to the very bottom. The fact that I keep challenging my own perspective (which way is up?!) feels both challenging and exciting. In a sense, there’s more data in this photo than in the photo of my simple staircase, despite that up and down are neither obvious here.

So, what differentiates simple from complex? Add to the comments below with your opinion.

And for extra credit, weigh in on Jono Hey’s awesome cartoon that truly challenges one’s sense of up and down. I recommend that you take a look at M.C. Escher’s Relativity for a real brain trip!

The next triptych I’m working on is a selection of 3 pieces of music, one simple, one complicated, and one complex.

More soon… Emma