Meaning: Alva Noto, also known as Carsten Nicolai, is a renowned German artist, musician, and conceptual creator whose work spans various disciplines including sound art, visual art, and design. The quote, "When I define polarities in my work, I actually create the space between things. I point to the question I am actually interested in, without naming it," offers a glimpse into Nicolai's creative process and the underlying philosophy that informs his artistic endeavors.

In this quote, Nicolai reflects on the significance of defining polarities in his work. By "polarities," he likely refers to the contrasting elements or dualities he incorporates into his creations. These polarities could manifest in various forms such as sound and silence, light and darkness, order and chaos, or any other juxtaposed concepts that form the framework of his artistic expression.

Nicolai's assertion that defining polarities creates the space between things is a profound observation that speaks to the nuanced nature of his art. By deliberately establishing polarities within his work, he is not merely presenting opposing elements; rather, he is carving out a distinct realm, an intermediary space where these polarities coexist and interact. This intermediary space becomes a focal point of interest, as it is within this space that the tension, dialogue, and resonance between the polarities unfold.

Furthermore, Nicolai's statement alludes to the idea that by defining polarities, he is not explicitly naming the central question or concept that drives his artistic exploration. Instead, he is subtly alluding to it, inviting viewers and listeners to engage with the unspoken query that animates his creative output. This approach aligns with the notion of art as a catalyst for contemplation and interpretation, where the artist's role extends beyond mere exposition to prompting introspection and dialogue.

Nicolai's practice often traverses the realms of sound and visual art, and his quote can be contextualized within the domain of his audiovisual compositions. In his sonic compositions, the contrast between discrete sounds, frequencies, and textures can be seen as the polarities that define the sonic space. Similarly, in his visual art and design, juxtapositions of form, color, and spatial arrangements contribute to the delineation of visual polarities, thereby shaping the perceptual space that envelops the viewer.

The notion of creating the space between things through the definition of polarities also resonates with broader philosophical and aesthetic concepts. It echoes the principles of gestalt psychology, where the whole is perceived to be greater than the sum of its parts, and the interplay between elements gives rise to emergent properties. Within the realm of aesthetics, the concept of negative space, or the area around and between the subject of an image, underscores the idea that emptiness and delineation can be as meaningful as the occupied space.

In conclusion, Alva Noto's quote encapsulates the intricate interplay of polarities, space, and implicit inquiry within his artistic practice. By defining polarities, he not only constructs the terrain for his creative expression but also beckons the audience to discern the unspoken queries that reverberate within his work. This approach exemplifies the depth and thoughtfulness with which Nicolai approaches his art, inviting contemplation and engagement with the multifaceted dimensions of his creative output.