Mungo Thomson

Half Full, Half Empty

Mungo Thomson’s Half Full, Half Empty is a neon sculpture that is at once representational and abstract. It white neon, it depicts three stacked ovals subtended by straight lines on either side, more colloquially read as a glass or vessel that is half full of liquid. The work alternates between illuminating the neon light for the “half full” portion, the “half empty” portion, and then the entirety of the glass. This simple yet powerful composition invites viewers to engage with the age-old philosophical question of whether the glass is half full or half empty, thereby examining their own perspectives and biases. Exploring this perceptual dichotomy and the fluidity of meaning, the work underscores the significance of context and framing in shaping perception. The artwork’s title directly references the dual nature of its interpretation, challenging viewers to reflect on optimism versus pessimism, presence versus absence, and the subjective nature of reality. By presenting a familiar object in a contemplative setting, Thomson transforms it into a catalyst for introspection, emphasizing the interplay between objectivity and personal viewpoint in understanding and interpreting the world.