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.
Frank StellaRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating art can be challenging due to the evolving nature of artistic categories, but artists should focus on their own creations first.
This quote by Frank Stella emphasizes the inherent complexities in the realm of art, particularly due to the ever-changing definitions and expectations surrounding artistic categories. It encourages artists to prioritize their unique creative expression over conforming to predefined labels, suggesting that classification will naturally evolve after the artwork itself is produced.
Themes
ArtCreationCategoriesExpressionIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
An artist could use this quote while explaining their unconventional approach in a gallery opening.
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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