Theory Prism is a diagnostic engine designed to demonstrate how critical methods "behave" when applied to visual culture. Rather than seeking a definitive "meaning" of an artwork, the app serves as a pedagogical prism, refracting a single object into multiple theoretical spectrums.
The Concept:
The app positions "Theory Prism" as a pedagogical tool for exploring the behavior of criticism rather than seeking a singular truth. It's built on the premise that no analysis is neutral, every viewer brings a framework (often invisible) to their encounter with art. Theory Prism makes these frameworks visible, showing what each lens notices, what it ignores, and where it reaches its limits.
Key Features:
- Multimodal Intelligence: The app utilizes the Gemini 2.5 Flash model to perform real-time visual reasoning. The AI is constrained by a specialized System Instruction that prioritizes academic rigor over creative "hallucination"
- Post-Interpretive Logic: Unlike standard AI descriptions, Theory Prism applies a "Refusal of Authority" protocol. It is programmed to flag its own inferences and explicitly state what it cannot know or will not claim
- Witness Mode: A unique post-interpretive framework that represents the ethical restraint required in art criticism. It refuses to colonize the image with language, instead recording only the "brute presence" of the object and acknowledging the silence that interpretation often overwrites
How It Works:
The app uses a "Museum Gallery" layout with clear typography (serif headers, sans-serif body) and subtle dividers. It integrates with the Gemini 2.5 Flash model and uses a "System Instruction" to enforce critical rigor while maintaining user data sovereignty (no data is saved).
Version: 1.2.0 - Museum of one - Independent Research Tool