Art Quote by Andrei Tarkovsky
“THE ARTISTIC IMAGE IS ALWAYS A METONYM, WHERE ONE THING IS SUBSTITUTED FOR ANOTHER, THE SMALLER FOR THE GREATER. TO TELL OF WHAT IS LIVING, THE ARTIST USES SOMETHING DEAD; TO SPEAK OF THE INFINITE, HE SHOWS THE FINITE.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Cinema of Andrei Tarkovsky", 1975
Art uses symbols: a small thing represents a larger concept, and finite objects convey infinite ideas.
In simple terms: Symbols let the finite express the infinite.
Key Takeaway
Use symbols to convey depth.
Themes
art
symbolism
infinity
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- film
- painting
- literature
- teaching
Key Concepts
metaphor
visual language
Questions to Reflect On
- What symbols best express your ideas?
- How can you balance specificity and universality?
A Different Perspective
Symbols may be misread.
