I had to experience how someone beside me suddenly falls over and is dead and the bullet has hit him squarely. I had to experience that quite directly. I wanted it. I'm therefore not a pacifist at all - or am I?
Otto DixRead
Everybody thinks they know what art should be. But very few of them have the sense that is necessary to experience painting, that is the sense of sight, that sees colors and forms as living reality in the picture.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art is subjective, and true appreciation requires a deeper understanding beyond conventional views.
In this quote, Otto Dix emphasizes that while many people have opinions about what art is or should be, very few possess the genuine sensory perception to fully experience and appreciate art. He suggests that the ability to see and interpret the colors, forms, and emotions in a painting is essential in grasping its true essence, which transcends mere personal or societal definitions of art.
Themes
ArtPerceptionExperienceAppreciationPainting
In practice
Example use cases
In a conversation about modern art, this quote can highlight the importance of personal interpretation.
More from Otto Dix
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There is rarely a creative man who does not have to pay a high price for the divine spark of his greatest gifts... the human element is frequently bled for the benefit of the creative element and to such an extent that it even brings out the bad qualities, as for instance, ruthless, naive egoism (so-called "auto-eroticism"), vanity, all kinds of vices-and all this in order to bring to the human I at least some life-strength, since otherwise it would perish of sheer inanition.
Carl JungRead
I was a little press writer when the National Endowment for the Arts came to my rescue and gave me an award. I couldn't buy a light bulb. Almost more than the money, the awards are important because they show that someone believes in you.
Sandra CisnerosRead
This is where you see the truth of entertainment, because it is not edited. You see it on stage as it is happening. Even if we fall down or forget our words, it's a part of live entertainment.
Eartha KittRead
Artists love other artists. Shadow artists are gravitating to their rightful tribe but cannot yet claim their birthright. Very often audacity, not talent, makes one person an artist and another a shadow artist-hiding in the shadows, afraid to step out and expose the dream to the light, fearful that it will disintegrate to the touch.
Julia CameronRead
I really believe that if you practice enough you could paint the 'Mona Lisa' with a two-inch brush.
Bob RossRead
The artist is a member of the leisured classes who cannot pay for his leisure.
Cyril ConnollyRead