of peepholes and windows

"So: we can argue that a peephole is a kind of window, right? If one makes a genealogy of windows, one will surely encounter peepholes."  Florence Lenaers

Unlike a window, a peephole is not intended for contemplating the view which it frames, nor the light gently falling within the interior of the space it opens.



Even when closed a window opens, whereas even when open a peephole maintains the integrity of a closed space.



A peephole provides security of the interior, a window comfort of the exterior.



A window reveals. A peephole conceals.



A window allows for various perspectives and varying viewing distances. A peephole only one, and that distorted.



A peephole is a puncture, a window an embrace.



The nature of a peephole (to be peered through from up close with a single eye) renders one half-blind. A window, on the other hand, encourages one to look with both eyes open wide.



One looks through a peephole with eyes of fear. One looks through a window with eyes of wonder.

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reflections

Not all windows
are windows.

Even a window
is not always
a window.

And sometimes
something that isn't
a window
is the best window.


image: Robert Motherwell, Open Study No. 3, 1968 Charcoal on paper

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paradox

with a window
even closed
especially closed
one always finds
oneself outside

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