All art really does is keep you focused on questions of humanity, and it really is about how do we get on with our maker.
David BowieRead
All art is unstable. Its meaning is not necessarily that implied by the author. There is no authoritative voice. There are only multiple readings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art's meaning is subjective and can vary from person to person, regardless of the artist's intentions.
David Bowie's quote emphasizes the fluidity and subjectivity of art. It suggests that art does not have a singular, authoritative interpretation defined by the creator; instead, it opens up to multiple perspectives and meanings based on individual experiences and insights. This idea encourages viewers to engage personally with art and derive their own significance, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the piece and its audience.
Themes
ArtMeaningSubjectivityInterpretationExpression
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on art interpretation at a gallery, you could use this quote to illustrate how different perspectives enhance the experience of art.
More from David Bowie
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But I've got to think of myself as the luckiest guy. Robert Johnson only had one album's worth of work as his legacy. That's all that life allowed him.
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I'm an early riser. I get up between five and six, have coffee, and read for a couple of hours before everyone else gets up.
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