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Art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.
Jean Cocteau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Art evolves and may reveal beauty over time, while fashion tends to lose its appeal as trends change.

This quote by Jean Cocteau reflects on the contrasting nature of art and fashion. Art is portrayed as something that may seem ugly or unrefined at first but can reveal its deeper beauty as time passes, allowing viewers to appreciate its profound qualities. Conversely, fashion is seen as something that captures attention with its immediate beauty but often becomes outdated and loses its allure as trends change, highlighting the transient nature of style over time.

Themes

ArtFashionBeautyTimeTransience

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech at an art gala, one might use this quote to emphasize the enduring value of artistic expression.

More from Jean Cocteau

The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
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One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
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Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
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Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
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