Artist Quote by James Elkins
“Modern paintings often seem to have been made quickly, by comparison with the paintings of earlier centuries, and that seems to give us the license to look at them quickly - to consume them and move on.”
About This Quote
The quote observes that contemporary art's rapid execution encourages viewers to engage briefly, treating works as consumable rather than contemplative objects.
In simple terms: Modern art invites swift consumption.
Speed of creation shapes viewing habits.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery tours
- online art feeds
- museum quick‑views
- social media scrolling
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- curatorial design
- educational prompts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does speed affect our appreciation of art?
- What might be lost in rapid viewing?