Able Quote by Pat Steir
“When you see the holy halo around the holy heads on holy paintings - the halo is a bright light so you can't see the face. The face comes in darkness because it would be too beautiful to see. If there were such a thing as a holy person, a god, with a halo around his head, you wouldn't be able to see his face because the beauty would be terrifying.”
About This Quote
Source Painting: Contemporary Art Commentary, 2015
The halo hides the divine face because its beauty is overwhelming, leaving it in darkness.
In simple terms: Divine beauty is hidden by light.
Recognize that some truths are beyond direct perception.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- art critique
- spiritual reflection
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does symbolism shape our understanding of the sacred?
- When do we accept mystery over clarity?
The concept may be too abstract for practical application.