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The symbol of all art is the Prism. The goal is unrealism. The method is destructive. To break up the white light of objective realism, into the secret glories which it contains.
E. E. Cummings
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Art seeks to transform reality into something more profound and beautiful through abstraction.

In this quote, E. E. Cummings suggests that art is like a prism that breaks down the ordinary and realistic into a myriad of hidden meanings and expressions, encouraging artists to move beyond mere representation. The process of creating art involves a destruction of the conventional understanding of reality to uncover deeper truths and experiences that transcend everyday perception.

Themes

ArtPrismRealismBeautyExpression

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about modern art's significance, one might say, 'As E. E. Cummings stated, the symbol of all art is the Prism, revealing the deeper beauty within our reality.'

More from E. E. Cummings

I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
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I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
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It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
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When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
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The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
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Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
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