"My own position is, that it is largely up to the work itself to suggest the nature of these referential points without dimensions in and through the processes by which the distance between them is maintained"

Brian Ferneyhough's quote delves into the complex relationship between a piece of art or work and its intrinsic attributes that guide the interpretation and understanding of that work. In essence, Ferneyhough is highlighting the autonomy of a work of art and its fundamental power to recommend its significance and measurements through its own structure and the process it utilizes.

When Ferneyhough recommendations "referential points without measurements", he is alluding to the abstract qualities or components within a piece that stimulate meaning or response without being clearly laid out or constrained by standard dimensions or metrics. These referential points resemble conceptual anchors or beacons that help orient the observer however are inherently abstract and fluid.

The expression "it is largely up to the work itself" highlights a belief in the self-sufficiency of art. Instead of being greatly reliant on external interpretations or historic contexts, the artwork is seen as an autonomous entity efficient in assisting the viewer through its own internal reasoning, patterns, and characteristics. This denotes a regard for the intrinsic homes and potential interpretations inherent to the work, instead of imposing subjective biases or presumptions upon it.

Through "the processes by which the distance between them is kept", Ferneyhough most likely refers to the characteristics and relationships within the work that produce tension, balance, or harmony. These procedures are both the actual and metaphorical mechanisms by which the components of a work are held together in space and time, yet kept distinct enough to maintain their private significance.

In amount, Ferneyhough's declaration commemorates the capability of art to communicate through its internal procedures and inherent functions, advocating for a more natural and less authoritative method to experiencing and translating artistic works. This technique welcomes the audience to engage with the piece holistically, enabling the work to reveal its own narrative and significance through its unique structure and presentation.