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Cubism was an attack on the perspective that had been known and used for 500 years. It was the first big, big change. It confused people: they said, 'Things don't look like that!'
David Hockney
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Cubism challenged traditional artistic perspectives and norms.

David Hockney's quote highlights the revolutionary impact of Cubism on the art world, disrupting long-established methods of perspective that dominated for centuries. It emphasizes the confusion and resistance faced by viewers who were accustomed to representational art, illustrating how innovation can provoke discomfort yet pave the way for new artistic expressions.

Themes

CubismPerspectiveArtInnovationChange

In practice

Example use cases

Referencing this quote in an art history lecture about the evolution of modern art.

More from David Hockney

When you stop doing something, it doesn't mean you are rejecting the previous work. That's the mistake; it's not rejecting it, it's saying, 'I have exploited it enough now and I wish to take a look at another corner.'
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My only worry is the painting I'm doing. Nothing else.
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In fact, most artists want to make things a bit more difficult for themselves as they go along, to challenge themselves.
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I can get excitement watching rain on a puddle. And then I paint it. Now, I admit, there are not too many people who would find that exciting. But I would. And I want life thrilling and rich. And it is. I make sure it is.
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