I hope I have made it clear that the work is about perfection as we are aware of it in our minds but that the paintings are very far from being perfect - completely removed in fact - even as we ourselves are.
Agnes MartinRead
My paintings are not about what is seen. They are about what is known forever in the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Agnes Martin suggests that her paintings convey deeper insights and feelings rather than just visual appearances.
This quote by Agnes Martin emphasizes that true art transcends surface-level observation; it relies on the internal knowledge and emotions that the artist and the viewer carry within them. Her works aim to resonate with the mind and spirit, evoking an understanding that goes beyond mere visual representation.
Themes
ArtPerceptionMindEmotionExpression
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in an art class to discuss the deeper meanings behind artworks.
More from Agnes Martin
All quotes βThe value of art is in the observer.
Agnes MartinRead
The main thing in making art often is letting go of your expectation and your idea.
Agnes MartinRead
Art is the concrete representation of our most subtle feelings.
Agnes MartinRead
What we really want to do is serve happiness. We want everyone to be happy, never unhappy even for a moment. We want the animals to be happy. The happiness of every living thing is what we want.
Agnes MartinRead
Any material may be used but the theme is the same and the response is the same for all artwork... we all have the same concern, but the artist must know exactly what the experience is. He must pursue the truth relentlessly
Agnes MartinRead
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I am always wandering around in enigmas. There are young people who constantly come to tell me: you, too, are making Op Art. I haven't the slightest idea what that is, Op Art. I've been doing this work for thirty years now.
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Even if a story has nothing to do with my life, if I can recognise something of myself in the character and think, 'Oh yeah, that's what I'd do...' Yeah, that's what I look for.
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