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.
and the sad notes floated out to the patio and hung in the trees like birds too tired to fly
What reinforces the content of a photograph is the sense of rhythm - the relationship between shapes and values.
People err who think my art comes easily to me. I assure you, dear friend, nobody has devoted so much time and thought to compositions as I. There is not a famous master whose music I have not industriously studied through many times.
I often recall these words when I am writing, and I think to myself, “It’s true. There aren’t any new words. Our job is to give new meanings and special overtones to absolutely ordinary words.” I find the thought reassuring. It means that vast, unknown stretches still lie before us, fertile territories just waiting for us to cultivate them.
The source of genius is imagination alone, the refinement of the senses that sees what others do not see, or sees them differently.
I loved doing 'Pennies from Heaven.' Because you have to understand that I'd been doing comedy for 15 to 20 years, and suddenly along came the opportunity to do this beautiful film. It was so emotional to me. I loved it. I don't think it was a good career move, but I have no regrets about doing it.
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