THE ARTISTIC IMAGE IS ALWAYS A METONYM, WHERE ONE THING IS SUBSTITUTED FOR ANOTHER, THE SMALLER FOR THE GREATER. TO TELL OF WHAT IS LIVING, THE ARTIST USES SOMETHING DEAD; TO SPEAK OF THE INFINITE, HE SHOWS THE FINITE.
Interpretation
Art often uses symbols to represent larger concepts, demonstrating the relationship between the finite and the infinite.
In this quote, Andrei Tarkovsky explores the idea that artistic expression often hinges on the use of metonymy, where a part signifies the whole or something else entirely. By suggesting that artists use tangible, finite objects to convey deeper, infinite ideas, Tarkovsky highlights the power of art to transcend reality and communicate complex emotions and concepts that might otherwise remain unexpressed.
In practice
In a presentation about the significance of art in society, one could use this quote to explain how artists convey complex themes.
AN ARTISTIC DISCOVERY OCCURS EACH TIME AS A NEW AND UNIQUE IMAGE OF THE WORLD, A HIEROGLYPHIC OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH. IT APPEARS AS A REVELATION, AS A MOMENTARY, PASSIONATE WISH TO GRASP INTUITIVELY AND AT A STROKE ALL THE LAWS OF THIS WORLD-ITS BEAUTY AND UGLINESS, ITS COMPASSION AND CRUELTY, ITS INFINITY AND ITS LIMITATIONS.
When I speak of poetry I am not thinking of it as a genre. Poetry is an awareness of the world, a particular way of relating to reality. So poetry becomes a philosophy to guide a man throughout his life.
Art would be useless if the world were perfect.
Perhaps the meaning of all human activity lies in the artistic consciousness, in the pointless and selfless creative act? Perhaps our capacity to create is evidence that we ourselves were created in the image and likeness of God?
Above all, I feel that the sounds of this world are so beautiful in themselves that if only we could listen to them properly, cinema would have no need for music at all.
The only condition of fighting for the right to create is faith in your own vocation, readiness to serve, and refusal to compromise.
Poetry takes courage because you have to face things and you try to articulate how you feel.
The novelist does not long to see the_x000D_ lion eat grass. He realizes that one and_x000D_ the same God created the wolf and the_x000D_ lamb, then smiled, βseeing that his_x000D_ work was good.β
Movies and television have a way of using a soundtrack not just to create a mood but to literalize it. You could always count on a master class in splitting the difference between artistry and obviousness during the so-called Blaxploitation era.
When I see an Alfa Romeo go by, I tip my hat.
His laughter tinkled among the teacups.
I'm no parasite. I'm a poet who will bring honor and glory to his country.
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