I am very attracted by bad taste-it is a lot more exciting than that supposed good taste which is nothing more than a standardized way of looking at things.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that unconventional or 'bad' taste can lead to more exciting creativity than conforming to traditional standards of good taste.
Helmut Newton emphasizes the allure of embracing bad taste in art and aesthetics, arguing that it sparks excitement and originality. He critiques the notion of good taste as merely a monotonous standardization that stifles creativity and encourages a narrow view of beauty, suggesting that true innovation comes from breaking norms and exploring the unconventional.
In practice
In a speech about creativity in art, one might say, 'As Helmut Newton once stated, 'I am very attracted by bad taste.' This reflects how breaking away from norms can often lead to more intriguing results.
I have always avoided photographing in the studio. A woman does not spend her life sitting or standing in front of a seamless white paper background. Although it makes my life more complicated, I prefer to take my camera out into the street... and places that are out of bounds for photographers have always had a special attraction for me.
I like photographing women who appear to know something of life. I recently did a session with a great beauty, a movie star in in her thirties. I photographed her twice within three weeks and the second time I said: "You're much more beautiful today than you were three weeks ago." And she replied: "But I'm also three weeks older.
They often ask me to shoot for them. But I say no. I think an old guy like me ought not take pages away from young photographers who need the exposure.
I hate good taste. It's the worst thing that can happen to a creative person.
The point of my photography has always been to challenge myself, to go a little further than my Germanic discipline and Teutonic nature would traditionally permit me to.
I have a soft spot for art that, in terms of subject matter and material, is in bad taste.
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
It is the nature of the artist to mind excessively what is said about him. Literature is strewn with the wreckage of men who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others.
When putting words together is good to do it with nicety and caution, your elegance and talent will be evident if by putting ordinary words together you create a new voice.
I had to learn to do everything because I couldn't find another kindred soul. Now you see eighty people listed doing the same things I was doing by myself.
The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.
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