RD, here are my thoughts -
Let me take a few of "Art of Clutter" compositions of yours -
While "Clutter" at micro level, to me this has a "soul". Those micro clutters seem to create a "harmony" at macro level. It is very difficult to pin-point the exact reason why it is appealing to me but I clearly "feel" art in this above composition.
This is one of my favorite of yours on the series and a perfect example for hidden harmony. At individual levels those branches and twigs may be clutter. But there is a harmonious blend of lines and shapes.
While each little branch is a clutter, they all line up and create a harmony - more so in round dark silhouettes.
When it comes to "Art of Clutters" I strongly believe in
George Miller's observations in cognitive psychology -
The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two.
To sum up my thoughts -
(I think) in an effective "Art of Clutter" composition all "clutters" should finally reduce to "Seven Plus or Minus Two" else it may not "visually conclude". Such reduction to "Seven Plus or Minus Two" can again be conceptual or abstract which takes such compositions more towards art compared to physical reductions of the "clutters" in a composition which might take it more towards a "beautiful composition". I see such a "conceptual reduction of the clutter" in the first of three compositions above.
Would love to know your thoughts..