Every good composition is above all a work of abstraction. All good painters know this. But the painter cannot dispense with subjects altogether without his work suffering impoverishment.
Diego RiveraRead
As an artist I have always tried to be faithful to my vision of life, and I have frequently been in conflict with those who wanted me to paint not what I saw but what they wished me to see.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision despite external pressures.
Diego Rivera's quote reflects the struggles faced by artists who often find their personal interpretation of life in conflict with societal expectations. It highlights the tension between authentic expression and the desire of others for art to conform to their perceptions, stressing the importance of integrity and individuality in the creative process.
Themes
ArtistVisionTrueExpressionConflict
In practice
Example use cases
In an art class discussion about individual style.
More from Diego Rivera
All quotes →Never before had a woman put such agonizing poetry on canvas as Frida did
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My cubist paintings are my most Mexican.
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The artist must try to raise the level of taste of the masses, not debase himself to the level of unformed and impoverished taste.
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An artist is above all a human being, profoundly human to the core. If the artist can't feel everything that humanity feels, if the artist isn't capable of loving until he forgets himself and sacrifices himself if necessary, if he won't put down his magic brush and head the fight against the oppressor, then he isn't a great artist.
Diego RiveraRead
I did not know it then, but Frida had already become the most important fact in my life. And would continue to be, up to the moment she died, 27 years later.
Diego RiveraRead
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