Aggression Quote by Georg Baselitz
“In the beginning, the energy involved to create came from my reaction to the work of other artists. The force behind this was aggression. The art that I saw was great, but I had to reject it, because I could not continue in the same direction. So I had to do something entirely different. It had to be so different, so extreme, that those who loved pop art, for instance, hated me. And this was my strength.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995 interview with Artforum, 1995
He describes his artistic drive as a reaction against existing art, using aggression to create a radically different style that challenged prevailing tastes.
In simple terms: He used anger at other art to forge a unique, extreme style.
Key Takeaway
Embrace opposition to fuel originality.
Themes
creativity
rebellion
identity
artistic evolution
Mood
defiant
intense
reflective
Type
artistic
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- gallery openings
- art school projects
- personal artistic crises
- public criticism
Key Concepts
reaction
aggression
radicalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can conflict inspire innovation?
- When does rebellion become self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
His extreme divergence may alienate audiences and limit commercial success.
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
