Intentism: Art That Speaks Its Author’s Mind.
A painting is more than an image. A song is more than a sound. Behind every creative act is a human agent trying to express something.
Intentism is an international art movement exploring the relationship between artistic intention, creative freedom and the meaning in art.
In a world of postmodern confusion, Intentism is a movement that affirms the artist’s intention.
We believe that meaning begins with the creator, not the creation.
In an age where AI, misinterpretation, and Death of the Author dominate, Intentism defends what is human in creativity.
Core Principles
- Freedom. The artist is free to convey his or her intended message.
- Accountability.
i) A confused, hidden or denied intention can lead to ZERO accountability
ii) An omission of artist intention can lead to enforced restriction on the artist and even censorship
Core Practices
- Provenance. In a world flooded with algorithmic content, Intentism champions human provenance.
- Process. In a world where LLMS produce immediate content, Intentism emphasizes the creative process.
- People. In a world where algorithmic curation has fragmented our shared culture into hyper-specific internet subcultures, Intentism encourages community experiences.
Recognition & Impact
“Intentism is among the important art movements of the 21st century.”
— Art and Museum magazine
“Intriguing and imaginative… interested to know more about these views which I do sympathize with.”
— Noam Chomsky, linguist and philosopher
For Artists
Connect with like-minded creators who believe in purposeful art. Share your intentional works and engage with a community that values artistic meaning.
For Collectors
Discover artworks with known intent and purpose. Understand the stories behind each piece and build a collection with meaning.
For Scholars
Research the intersection of intention and artistic expression. Access resources, papers, and discussions about Intentism theory.
About Intentism Art Movement
Intentism is a radical art movement focused on the intention behind the work rather than just the object.
Intentists include painters, photographers, directors, writers, musicians, actors and academics.
All meaning is the imperfect outworking of Art and Intention.
The Intentist Manifesto
Intentism Art Movement is among the important art movements of the 21st century.
Art and Museum magazine
Intriguing and imaginative…interested to know more about these views which I do sympathize with.
Noam Chomsky(linguist, philosopher, social activist and Institute Professor Emeritus of MIT.)
Intentists have staged numerous exhibitions.
Intentists have been invited to speak at universities including the University of the Arts London, The University of East London and The University of Kent.
The Royal College of Art organized a panel debate with Battle of Ideas to debate Intentism.
Intentist art theory has been cited in numerous books, university papers and student dissertations up to PHD level.
Intentists have written several books on Intentist art theory and practice.
Watch the full documentary here.
- In a world FLOODED with ALGORITHMIC CONTENT, Intentism champions HUMAN PROVENANCE.
- In a world where LLMS produce IMMEDIATE CONTENT, Intentism emphasizes the CREATIVE PROCESS.
- In a world where ALGORITHMIC CURATION has fragmented our SHARED CULTURE into HYPER-SPECIFIC INTERNET SUBCULTURES, Intentism encourages COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES.