Able Quote by Alexej von Jawlensky
“My art in the last period has all been in small format, but my paintings have become even deeper and more spiritual, speaking truly through colour. Feeling that because of my illness I would not be able to paint very much longer, I worked like a man obsessed on these little 'Meditations' (a long series of small paintings he made during the last years of his life, with as main motif the schema of a face, ed.). And now I leave these small but, to me, important works to the future and to people who love art.”
About This Quote
Source Artist Statement, late 1910s, personal letters
The artist reflects on creating small, spiritually deep paintings as his health declines, viewing them as lasting meditations for future viewers.
In simple terms: He made tiny, meaningful works before death, hoping they endure.
Key Takeaway
Create art that transcends physical limits.
Themes
art
mortality
spirituality
Mood
reflective
solemn
Type
statement
personal.
When to use this quote
- personal health crisis
- final artistic phase
- gift to future audiences
- artistic obsession
Key Concepts
legacy
intimacy
expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “small” convey about depth?
- How can art serve as a personal meditation?
A Different Perspective
Might undervalue larger, more public works.
