Skip to content

Artist Quote by Antonin Artaud

“If there is still one hellish, truly accursed thing in our time, it is our artistic dallying with forms, instead of being like victims burnt at the stake, signaling through the flames.” quote by Antonin Artaud
Download Open image
““If there is still one hellish, truly accursed thing in our time, it is our artistic dallying with forms, instead of being like victims burnt at the stake, signaling through the flames.””

Antonin Artaud

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Theater and Its Double, 1938

Art should confront suffering directly rather than hide behind decorative forms, lest it become a hollow spectacle.

In simple terms: Art must face suffering, not hide.

Key Takeaway

Create confronting, honest art.

Themes

art suffering authenticity

Mood

provocative intense

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • theatre
  • visual arts
  • literature
  • film production

Key Concepts

aesthetics existentialism performance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do artists choose comfort over truth?
  • How can art engage with pain responsibly?
A Different Perspective

Artistic abstraction can dilute meaningful impact.

2.4 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Antonin Artaud

Explore all 114 Antonin Artaud quotes

More Artist quotes

Browse all 32,600 Artist quotes