QuoteProject
Only since the turn of the century has abstraction again become recognized as an artistic means of representation. It was then that one returned to the recognition of the immense role abstraction plays in the human mind by its power of concentration upon absolute essentials.
Sigfried Giedion
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the significance of abstraction in art and its impact on human thought.

Sigfried Giedion discusses the resurgence of abstraction in art at the turn of the century and emphasizes its crucial role in enabling the human mind to focus on fundamental concepts. He suggests that abstraction is not just a style but a powerful tool for distilling complex ideas into their essence, allowing individuals to engage deeply with essential truths.

Themes

AbstractionArtHuman MindRepresentationConcentration

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture on modern art, one might reference this quote to discuss the evolution of artistic styles.

Similar quotes

Personally I always feel like I could use a little more of poetry apothegmatic power in my own work but we're always lacking something.
Junot DiazRead
I grew up in a family that believed that art should be used as an instrument for social change.
Shabana AzmiRead
Writers are only rarely likable.
Joan DidionRead
When I sing, I think mostly about the music. But I know that, through singing, my body shows everything that I am. I am a very passionate man and I suffer a lot and have a lot of joy also. In my opinion, it is very important for me to find this stimulus and motivation for singing.
Andrea BocelliRead
If your only dance experience is the Nutcracker, it will be a shock; hopefully shocking in a good way.
Mikhail BaryshnikovRead
Music is a weapon of the future / music is the weapon of the progressives / music is the weapon of the givers of life
Fela KutiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Sigfried Giedion | QuoteProject