Life is more important than architecture.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
It is not the right angle that attracts me, nor the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man. What attracts me is the free and sensual curve - the curve that I find in the mountains of my country, in the sinuous course of its rivers, in the body of the beloved woman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a preference for natural beauty and fluidity over rigid forms created by humans.
Oscar Niemeyer's quote highlights his admiration for curves and organic shapes found in nature, suggesting that these elements evoke a sense of freedom and sensuality. He contrasts the unyielding lines that man produces with the softer, more captivating forms present in the landscape and human body, emphasizing a deep appreciation for the aesthetics of nature and love.
Themes
CurvesNatureBeautyArtFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
An architect might use this quote to emphasize the importance of organic shapes in design.
More from Oscar Niemeyer
All quotes →I deliberately disregarded the right angle and rationalist architecture designed with ruler and square to boldly enter the world of curves and straight lines offered by reinforced concrete... This deliberate protest arose from the environment in which I lived, with its white beaches, its huge mountains, its old baroque churches, and the beautiful suntanned women.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
We need to feel that life is important; we need that fantasy so we can live a little better.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
Here, then, is what I wanted to tell you of my architecture. I created it with courage and idealism, but also with an awareness of the fact that what is important is life, friends and attempting to make this unjust world a better place in which to live.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
When you have a large space to conquer, the curve is the natural solution.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
I was attracted by the curve — the liberated, sensual curve suggested by the possibilities of new technology yet so often recalled in venerable old baroque churches.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
Similar quotes
I'll go to the south of Sicily in the winter, and paint memories of Arles – I'll buy a piano and Mozart me that – I'll write long sad tales about people in the legend of my life – This part is my part of the movie, let's hear yours
Jack KerouacRead
I won't call my work entertainment. It's exploring. It's asking questions of people, constantly. 'How much do you feel? How much do you know? Are you aware of this? Can you cope with this?' A good movie will ask you questions you don't already know the answers to. Why would I want to make a film about something I already understand?
John CassavetesRead
For what is a poem but a hazardous attempt at self-understanding: it is the deepest part of autobiography.
Robert Penn WarrenRead
My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough.
ZendayaRead
But when I went on the stage to do a show, I would put on makeup because I felt that it enhanced my act; it drew attention to what I was doing.
Little RichardRead
If you foolishly ignore beauty, then you will soon find yourself without it.
Frank Lloyd WrightRead