There is no must in art because art is free.
Interpretation
Art exists without constraints or obligations; it is an expression of freedom.
Wassily Kandinsky's quote reflects the essence of artistic expression, asserting that true art is born from freedom rather than obligation. The phrase emphasizes that in the realm of creativity, there are no stringent rules or 'musts'; instead, artists are encouraged to explore and express their individuality without being confined by societal expectations or traditional norms.
In practice
During an art exhibition, one could inspire the audience by saying, 'As Kandinsky reminds us, there is no must in art because art is free, so let your true creativity shine.'
The true work of art is born from the 'artist': a mysterious, enigmatic, and mystical creation. It detaches itself from him, it acquires an autonomous life, becomes a personality, an independent subject, animated with a spiritual breath, the living subject of a real existence of being.
The artist must have something to say, for mastery over form is not his goal but rather the adapting of form to its inner meaning.
With cold eyes and indifferent mind the spectators regard the work. Connoissers admire the "skill" (as one admires a tightrope walker), enjoy the "quality of painting" (as one enjoys a pasty). But hungry souls go hungry away. The vulgar herd stroll through the rooms and pronounce the pictures "nice" or "splendid." Those who could speak have said nothing, those who could hear have heard nothing.
The sound of colors is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with bass notes or dark lake with treble.
The more abstract is form, the more clear and direct its appeal.
All methods are sacred if they are internally necessary. All methods are sins if they are not justified by internal necessity.
I was the first critic ever to win a Tony - for co-authoring 'Elaine Stritch at Liberty.' Criticism is a life without risk; the critic is risking his opinion, the maker is risking his life. It's a humbling thought but important for the critic to keep it in mind - a thought he can only know if he's made something himself.
When one starts writing a book, especially a novel, even the humblest person in the world hopes to become Homer.
There's a crystallization that goes on in a poem which the young man can bring off, but which the middle-aged man can't.
Who I am on stage is very, very different to who I am in real life.
Truth for anyone is a very complex thing. For a writer, what you leave out says as much as those things you include. What lies beyond the margin of the text? The photographer frames the shot; writers frame their world.
I believe that music is connected by human passions and curiosities rather than by marketing strategies.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.