Art Quote by Willem de Kooning
“Whatever an artist's personal feelings are, as soon as an artist fills a certain area on the canvas or circumscribes it, he becomes historical. He acts from or upon other artists. An artist is someone who makes art too. He did not invent it. How it started — "to hell with it." It is obvious that it has no progress. The idea of space is given him to change if he can. The subject matter in the abstract is space. He fills it with an attitude. The attitude never comes from himself alone.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Art and Its History, 1975
An artist’s work becomes part of history through interaction with others, not by solitary invention.
In simple terms: Art is shaped by collective influence.
Key Takeaway
Create with awareness of artistic lineage.
Themes
art history
influence
collaboration
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
critical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- gallery exhibition
- art education
- collaborative projects
Key Concepts
aesthetics
cultural dialogue
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your work respond to past masters?
- Can you balance personal voice with tradition?
A Different Perspective
Originality can be limited by existing conventions.
