Art Quote by M. C. Escher
“To tell you the truth, I am rather perplexed by the concept of 'art'. What one person considers to be 'art' is often not 'art' to another. 'Beautiful' and 'ugly' are old-fashioned concepts that are seldom applied these days; perhaps justifiably, who knows? Something repulsive, which gives you a moral hangover, and hurts your ears or eyes, may well be art. Only 'kitsch' is not art - we're all agreed about that. Indeed, but what is 'kitsch'? If only I knew!”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing art perception, unknown date
Art is subjective; beauty and ugliness are fluid, and what offends one may be art to another, while kitsch is universally dismissed.
In simple terms: Art depends on personal view; kitsch is not art.
Key Takeaway
Recognize subjectivity in judging art.
Themes
art
subjectivity
beauty
ugliness
kitsch
Mood
curious
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
conversational
When to use this quote
- gallery visits
- art criticism
- creative projects
- media consumption
- education
Key Concepts
aesthetic philosophy
cultural relativism
taste
perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria do you use to evaluate art?
- Can something be both kitsch and art?
A Different Perspective
Labeling something as art can be influenced by trends, bias, or authority, limiting open interpretation.
![“For me it remains an open question whether [this work] pertains to the realm of mathematics or to that of art.” quote by M. C. Escher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/784/m-c-escher-15873_art_for-me-it-remains-an-open-question-wheth_106465.jpg)
![“In mathematical quarters, the regular division of the plane has been considered theoretically. ... [Mathematicians] have opened the gate leading to an extensive domain, but they have not entered this domain themselves. By their very nature they are more interested in the way in which the gate is…” quote by M. C. Escher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5cf/m-c-escher-15873_behinds_in-mathematical-quarters-the-regular-div_216361.jpg)
