Wu comprises the ethereal properties every astute observer and collector seeks to discover and contemplate in a work of art. Through soul deep application of mind to work, the true artist unconsciously transfers the elements of wu into each piece. Wu is found in the place where heart, spirit, creativity and labour merge to engender an aesthetic completeness that can make an observer’s personal appreciation a deep and pleasurable experience.
As such, the wu in any work of art reflects the embodiment of each creator proportionate to their skill and ways of knowing and communicating the intent of their work. Through ingrained wu the observer can in turn identify, absorb and emotionally connect with the very personal elements thereby embedded.
Deliberate reflection and attendance to the presence of wu precipitates the flow of emotion, peaceful or turbulent, and intrinsic understanding that is the purpose of all art. Only through wu can the observer hope to be truly moved by the artist’s creation, its existence, its presence in the now.
Note: this is my development of the concept of “wu”, an idea referred to by Philip K. Dick in his masterpiece of science fiction ‘The Man in the High Castle‘.
poetography.ink 
Sean, I like your articulation of a concept I hadn’t heard of before, at least not by that name. What do you think of the idea that having a context to put the artist into enhances the experience?
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I think it can work both ways Li. Observing a work in isolation from awareness of the artist means you get to appreciate it solely on its physical merits. However, the artistic context can certainly assist in understanding a work more completely. There is definitely a case for enjoying art in this order. However, once you know the artist this process is undone of course. Maybe then it is time to learn about each work and the artist’s relationship with it more specifically. Each encounter could become a very deep dive!
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Nice share
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The WU in this context is certainly new to me. And it made me think l of Wu Tang Clan and their artistic approach. Now I gotta go look into this some more. See how it’s applicable to me as a creative. Thanks for the share, Sean
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I had a bit of a look for the concept of wu outside of the novel without any luck. In the context of the book, it may have a Japanese origin. However, Chinese feels like it fits too. Of course Dick was a creator of many new ideas in his own right, so it is quite likely his idea alone. Wherever it comes from I think it is an enhancement of art / artisan appreciation. Let me know if you discover more (even about how it applies to yourself if you consider that an appropriate thing to do).
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Of course… I’ll keep you posted.
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