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
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Gray skies are just clouds passing over.
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Playing 'bop' is like playing Scrabble with all the vowels missing.
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