---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I had been working purely abstractly for…"
description: "\"I had been working purely abstractly for so long, it was important for me to see whether I was working abstractly because I couldn't work any other way..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b70/robert-rauschenberg-5257_choices_i-had-been-working-purely-abstractly-for_2422242.jpg"
---

#  I had been working purely abstractly for so long, it was…

![“I had been working purely abstractly for so long, it was important for me to see whether I was working abstractly because I couldn't work any other way, or whether I was doing it out of choice.” quote by Robert Rauschenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b70/robert-rauschenberg-5257_choices_i-had-been-working-purely-abstractly-for_2422242.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b70/robert-rauschenberg-5257_choices_i-had-been-working-purely-abstractly-for_2422242.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b70/robert-rauschenberg-5257_choices_i-had-been-working-purely-abstractly-for_2422242.jpg)

> “I had been working purely abstractly for so long, it was important for me to see whether I was working abstractly because I couldn't work any other way, or whether I was doing it out of choice.”

[Robert Rauschenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-rauschenberg/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He questions whether abstract work is a necessity or a chosen method, seeking authenticity in his creative process.

**In simple terms:** He wonders if abstraction is forced or chosen.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on why you choose your methods.

Themes

creativity self‑knowledge authenticity

Mood

introspective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- studio work
- teaching
- career shifts

Key Concepts

art theory self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

- Is abstraction serving you or restricting you?
- What would change if you tried realism?

A Different Perspective

Abstract work may limit exploration of other styles.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/)

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