Able Quote by Felix Gonzalez-Torres
“I always worked as an individual artist even when Group Material asked me to join the group. There are certain things that I can do by myself that I would never be able to do with Group Material. First of all, they are a totally democratic entity and although you learn a lot from it, and it's very moving, it's very exacting, everything has to be by consensus, which is the beauty of it, but it is much more work. It's worth it 100%. But as an individual artist there are certain things that I want to bring out and express, and the collaborative practice is not conducive to that.”
About This Quote
The speaker values the autonomy of solo creation, noting that group consensus can dilute personal expression, even though collaborative work offers learning and emotional depth.
In simple terms: Solo work preserves personal vision.
Key Takeaway
Collaboration can limit individual voice.
Themes
creativity
autonomy
collaboration
consensus
artistic identity
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
personal testimony
artistic philosophy
When to use this quote
- solo exhibition planning
- group project negotiation
- personal artistic experimentation
Key Concepts
individual vs collective process
democratic decision‑making
artistic freedom
Practical Applications
- defining personal style
- balancing team input
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when to join a collective?
- What personal goals might be compromised in a group?
