A work of art may be understood as a conductor from the artist's mind to the viewer's. But it may never reach the viewer, or it may never leave the artist's mind.
Sol LewittRead
Artists teach critics what to think. Critics repeat what the artists teach them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Artists influence critics' perspectives, while critics echo the artists' insights.
This quote highlights the dynamic relationship between artists and critics, suggesting that artists play a pivotal role in shaping the thoughts and opinions of critics. Critics, in turn, often reflect and disseminate the ideas presented by artists, creating a continuous cycle of teaching and learning that emphasizes the influence of creative expression on critical evaluation.
Themes
ArtistsCriticsInfluenceThoughtCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion panel on contemporary art, one might cite this quote to emphasize the interdependence between artists and art critics.
More from Sol Lewitt
All quotes βOnce it is out of his hand the artist has no control over the way a viewer will perceive the work. Different people will understand the same thing in a different way.
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The system is the work of art; the visual work of art is the proof of the System. The visual aspect can't be understood without understanding the system. It isn't what it looks like but what it is that is of basic importance.
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Artists are mystics rather than rationalists. They leap to conclusions that logic cannot reach.
Sol LewittRead
Buying books was a way anyone could acquire a work of art for very little.
Sol LewittRead
Unless you're involved with thinking about what you're doing, you end up doing the same thing over and over, and that becomes tedious and, in the end, defeating.
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