When you stop doing something, it doesn't mean you are rejecting the previous work. That's the mistake; it's not rejecting it, it's saying, 'I have exploited it enough now and I wish to take a look at another corner.'
David HockneyRead
All art is contemporary, if it's alive, and if it's not alive, what's the point of it?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art must resonate with the current moment to have significance.
David Hockney emphasizes the importance of art being relevant to contemporary experiences. He suggests that art, to be meaningful and 'alive', must engage with current times, reflecting the thoughts, feelings, and contexts of the present rather than being confined to past interpretations.
Themes
ArtContemporaryAliveMeaningRelevance
In practice
Example use cases
In a gallery opening, one could quote Hockney to explain the significance of modern art pieces.
More from David Hockney
All quotes βI'm interested in all kinds of pictures, however they are made, with cameras, with paint brushes, with computers, with anything.
David HockneyRead
I've always wanted to be able to paint the dawn.
David HockneyRead
My only worry is the painting I'm doing. Nothing else.
David HockneyRead
In fact, most artists want to make things a bit more difficult for themselves as they go along, to challenge themselves.
David HockneyRead
I can get excitement watching rain on a puddle. And then I paint it. Now, I admit, there are not too many people who would find that exciting. But I would. And I want life thrilling and rich. And it is. I make sure it is.
David HockneyRead
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