While I drew, and wept along with the terrified children I was drawing, I really felt the burden I am bearing. I felt that I have no right to withdraw from the responsibility of being an advocate.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the deep emotional connection of an artist to the subjects they depict, especially in times of suffering.
Kathe Kollwitz reflects on her experience as an artist drawing distressed children, conveying her sense of responsibility to advocate for those unable to voice their pain. Through her art, she not only captures their suffering but also acknowledges her personal burden in being a voice for the voiceless, thus eliminating any notion of withdrawing from this duty.
In practice
During a speech about the impact of art in social justice, I quoted Kathe Kollwitz to highlight the responsibility of artists.
There must be understanding between the artist and the people. In the best ages of art that has always been the case. Genius can probably run on ahead and seek out new ways. But the good artists who follow after genius — and I count myself among these — have to restore the lost connection once more.
It is my duty to voice the sufferings of humankind, the never-ending sufferings heaped mountain high. This is my task, but it is not an easy one to fulfill.
What's great about being a character actor is you know that you can survive forever. It's not about the gloss of your eyebrows.
The magician to some degree is trying to drive him or herself mad in a controlled setting, within controlled laws.
Great buildings that move the spirit have always been rare. In every case they are unique, poetic, products of the heart.
Artists can have greater access to reality; they can see patterns and details and connections that other people, distracted by the blur of life, might miss. Just sharing that truth can be a very powerful thing.
To be a good writer, you not only have to write a great deal but you have to care. You do not have to have a complicated moral philosophy. But a writer always tries, I think, to be a part of a solution, to understand a little about life and to pass this on.
There's nothing in the world more silent than the telephone the morning after everybody pans your play. It won't ring from room service; your mother won't be calling you. If the phone has not rung by 8 in the morning, you're dead.
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