I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.
Duke EllingtonRead
Art is dangerous. It is one of the attractions: when it ceases to be dangerous, you don't want it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art holds power and risk; its allure lies in its capacity to challenge and provoke thought.
In this quote, Duke Ellington suggests that art possesses an inherent danger that captivates audiences. It implies that art should provoke, challenge norms, and evoke deep emotional responses; when it becomes safe and predictable, it loses its significance and appeal, leading audiences to disengage from it.
Themes
ArtDangerousAttractionProvocationAppeal
In practice
Example use cases
A discussion on the role of art in societal change during a panel.
More from Duke Ellington
All quotes βTomorrow is in the wings waiting for you to sound her entrance fanfare.
Duke EllingtonRead
There is no art without intention.
Duke EllingtonRead
There is nothing to keeping a band together. You simply have to have a gimmick, and the gimmick I use is to pay them money!
Duke EllingtonRead
Gray skies are just clouds passing over.
Duke EllingtonRead
Playing 'bop' is like playing Scrabble with all the vowels missing.
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