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Whatever an artist's personal feelings are, as soon as an…

“Whatever an artist's personal feelings are, as soon as an artist fills a certain area on the canvas or circumscribes it, he becomes historical. He acts from or upon other artists. An artist is someone who makes art too. He did not invent it. How it started — "to hell with it." It is obvious that…” quote by Willem de Kooning
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“Whatever an artist's personal feelings are, as soon as an artist fills a certain area on the canvas or circumscribes it, he becomes historical. He acts from or upon other artists. An artist is someone who makes art too. He did not invent it. How it started — "to hell with it." It is obvious that it has no progress. The idea of space is given him to change if he can. The subject matter in the abstract is space. He fills it with an attitude. The attitude never comes from himself alone.”

Willem de Kooning

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An artist’s work becomes part of history through interaction with others, not by solitary invention.

In simple terms: Art is shaped by collective influence.

Key Takeaway

Create with awareness of artistic lineage.

Themes

art history influence collaboration

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

critical theoretical

When to use this quote

  • gallery exhibition
  • art education
  • collaborative projects

Key Concepts

aesthetics cultural dialogue creative process

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your work respond to past masters?
  • Can you balance personal voice with tradition?
A Different Perspective

Originality can be limited by existing conventions.

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