Artist Quote by David Salle
“I feel like it's not so much a tradition as a system that has been codified over the centuries starting in the Renaissance that applies to any painted surface. So if you're engaging in paintings, this is the language that one has to learn and is obliged to speak. I was very fortunate that I learned this language when I was a kid before I went to California, where I learned the language of attitude. Somehow the two things began to coexist.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Art Talk, 2005
The quote describes painting as a codified visual language developed since the Renaissance, requiring mastery to communicate effectively.
In simple terms: Painting is a learned visual language.
Key Takeaway
Learn the visual language of painting.
Themes
art
history
communication
skill
tradition
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- art education
- gallery curation
- studio practice
- art criticism
- museum tours
Key Concepts
visual literacy
Renaissance influence
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- How does visual language differ across cultures?
- Can you learn this language without formal training?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overstate universality; not all art follows the same system.
