The Impossible Index Chapter 02 / The Naming of Things
03 / 12

A small theory of looking

Nothing is only itself

ceci n’est pas un titre
  1. Name the obvious. Keep the doubt.

    A precise caption gives the familiar object an impossible second reading.

    ceci n’est pas une étiquette
  2. Let the ordinary carry the strange.

    A suit, a room, a sky: recognizable forms let the contradiction land softly.

    ceci n’est pas une pomme
  3. Leave room for the sentence.

    The cerulean field holds its breath around each exact interruption.

    ceci n’est pas un vide
  4. Deny it without raising your voice.

    The image proposes; the words disagree. Neither needs to explain itself.

    ceci n’est pas une preuve
This is the Magritte Surrealism (1929) design system, applied by Curio — a design-style library for AI agents. Full Magritte Surrealism (1929) guide → designbycurio.com/learn/magritte-surrealism-1929