The artist must have something to say, for mastery over form is not his goal but rather the adapting of form to its inner meaning.
Wassily KandinskyRead
The true work of art is born from the 'artist': a mysterious, enigmatic, and mystical creation. It detaches itself from him, it acquires an autonomous life, becomes a personality, an independent subject, animated with a spiritual breath, the living subject of a real existence of being.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art is a creation that transcends its creator, gaining its own identity and life.
This quote by Wassily Kandinsky highlights the transformative power of art, suggesting that once an artist creates a work, it takes on a life of its own, becoming separate from the artist's intentions and thoughts. The artwork evolves into an independent entity with its own presence and meaning, which resonates with viewers and conveys a deeper spiritual essence beyond the artist's original input.
Themes
ArtCreationIdentitySpiritualAutonomy
In practice
Example use cases
In an art class discussing the nature of creativity, this quote can be used to illustrate the concept of art's independent life.
More from Wassily Kandinsky
All quotes →With cold eyes and indifferent mind the spectators regard the work. Connoissers admire the "skill" (as one admires a tightrope walker), enjoy the "quality of painting" (as one enjoys a pasty). But hungry souls go hungry away. The vulgar herd stroll through the rooms and pronounce the pictures "nice" or "splendid." Those who could speak have said nothing, those who could hear have heard nothing.
Wassily KandinskyRead
The sound of colors is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with bass notes or dark lake with treble.
Wassily KandinskyRead
The more abstract is form, the more clear and direct its appeal.
Wassily KandinskyRead
All methods are sacred if they are internally necessary. All methods are sins if they are not justified by internal necessity.
Wassily KandinskyRead
Every man who steeps himself in the spiritual possibilities of his heart is a valuable helper in the building of the spiritual pyramid which will someday reach to heaven.
Wassily KandinskyRead
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