Answers Quote by James Elkins
“What kinds of problems, and what kinds of meanings, happen in the paint? Or as one historian puts it, 'What is thinking in painting, as opposed to thinking about painting?' These are important questions, and they are very hard to answer using the language of art history.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Art Theory, 1970s, James Elkins
Explores how meaning arises from visual problems in painting, distinguishing thinking in painting from thinking about painting.
In simple terms: Painting creates meaning through visual problems, not just analysis.
Key Takeaway
Examine visual problems to uncover meaning.
Themes
art theory
meaning
visual perception
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- gallery analysis
- art education
- curatorial practice
Key Concepts
semiotics
interpretation
ontological inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- How do visual problems shape interpretation?
- What distinguishes thinking in painting from thinking about painting?
A Different Perspective
May overlook emotional impact of viewer response.
![“The range in brightness from the purple glow [of the sunset] to the dark sky above is too great for most films, and naturally it is beyond the range of printed pictures.” quote by James Elkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e1b/james-elkins-19808_brightness_the-range-in-brightness-from-the-purple_651915.jpg)
