Making art is complicated because the categories are always changing. You just have to make your own art, and whatever categories it falls into will come later.
Frank StellaRead
But, after all, the aim of art is to create space - space that is not compromised by decoration or illustration, space within which the subjects of painting can live.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art seeks to create an unadulterated space for its subjects to exist.
In this quote, Frank Stella emphasizes that the primary purpose of art is to create a distinct space that is free from extraneous decoration or embellishment. This space allows the subjects of the painting to thrive and be appreciated in their own right, highlighting the importance of purity and focus in artistic expression.
Themes
ArtSpaceSubjectsPaintingExpression
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in an art class to inspire students to focus on the essence of their subject.
More from Frank Stella
All quotes βNo art is any good unless you can feel how it's put together. By and large it's the eye, the hand and if it's any good, you feel the body. Most of the best stuff seems to be a complete gesture, the totality of the artist's body; you can really lean on it.
Frank StellaRead
Similar quotes
I am a company in myself. My repertoire has become a bible for all mimes in the world.
Marcel MarceauRead
Some of what I consider my best work, and some of the best films that I've ever worked on, kind of disappear without a trace. There's no accounting for it. Something connects, or something doesn't.
Roger DeakinsRead
Dai Vernon, the greatest sleight of hand figure in the history of the art, rarely performed. But he invented magic and had an enormous influence on the whole range of sleight of hand. And so often, the magic he was doing was to fool other magicians.
Ricky JayRead
I don't mind being classified as a jazz artist, but I do mind being restricted to being a jazz artist. My foundation has been in jazz, though I didn't really start out that way. I started in classical music, but my formative years were in jazz, and it makes a great foundation.
Herbie HancockRead
Then I thought, Whoa. If there are no photographs, then there is no history. I'm going to get in there. I'm going to make these pictures. We need a record.
Joel MeyerowitzRead
It took me two years to walk around a chair with ease; it took me another two years to learn how to laugh onstage - and I had to learn everything.
Laurence OlivierRead