As an artist I have always tried to be faithful to my vision of life, and I have frequently been in conflict with those who wanted me to paint not what I saw but what they wished me to see.
Diego RiveraRead
Every good composition is above all a work of abstraction. All good painters know this. But the painter cannot dispense with subjects altogether without his work suffering impoverishment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art relies on abstraction, but it is also essential to have subject matter for depth and richness.
Diego Rivera's quote emphasizes the importance of abstraction in art while acknowledging that a complete detachment from subjects can lead to a lack of richness in the artwork. Good compositions blend abstract elements with tangible subjects, allowing the artist to convey deeper meanings and emotions, enriching the viewer's experience.
Themes
ArtAbstractionCompositionPaintingSubjects
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in an art class to inspire students to find balance in their work.
More from Diego Rivera
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My cubist paintings are my most Mexican.
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The artist must try to raise the level of taste of the masses, not debase himself to the level of unformed and impoverished taste.
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An artist is above all a human being, profoundly human to the core. If the artist can't feel everything that humanity feels, if the artist isn't capable of loving until he forgets himself and sacrifices himself if necessary, if he won't put down his magic brush and head the fight against the oppressor, then he isn't a great artist.
Diego RiveraRead
I did not know it then, but Frida had already become the most important fact in my life. And would continue to be, up to the moment she died, 27 years later.
Diego RiveraRead
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