"Toward an Aesthetic of Reception" is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of the audience's experience in interpreting art and literature. It suggests that meaning is not solely created by the artist but is also shaped by the viewer's or reader's perceptions, emotions, and cultural background. This approach highlights the active role of the audience in the aesthetic experience. The concept is often associated with Hans Robert Jauss, a literary theorist who argued that the reception of a work is influenced by historical and social contexts. By focusing on how different audiences engage with a text or artwork, this aesthetic perspective broadens the understanding of art's impact and significance.