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
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