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I am very much interested in the so-called useless object. I mean, it takes perfect craftsmanship, beautiful material carefully measured and crafted, but at the same time it’s really useless.
Ai Weiwei
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the beauty and significance of craftsmanship in art, even when the objects produced may lack practical utility.

Ai Weiwei's quote reflects a profound appreciation for the aesthetic qualities and the creative process involved in art, even when the resulting objects are deemed 'useless.' It suggests that the value of art lies not solely in its functionality, but in the beauty, effort, and intention behind its creation. This perspective invites us to rethink the purpose of art and appreciate its intrinsic qualities, encouraging a deeper engagement with creative expressions that challenge conventional notions of usefulness.

Themes

ArtCraftsmanshipBeautyCreativityUselessness

In practice

Example use cases

In an art exhibition focused on abstract sculptures, this quote could be used to introduce a piece that challenges viewers' perceptions of utility.

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