I cannot say why I wanted to paint. The only answer is in the pictures themselves.
There is no such thing as a German, French, or Anglo-American Expressionism! There are only young people trying to find their bearings in the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the universal struggle of youth to navigate their identity and understanding of the world, transcending national art movements.
Oskar Kokoschka's quote reflects on the idea that labels such as 'German', 'French', or 'Anglo-American Expressionism' are less important than the shared experience of young people who are searching for their place in the world. Instead of getting caught up in nationalistic expressions of art, what truly matters is the genuine exploration and expression of emotions and experiences by individuals as they grow and develop.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about modern art movements, this quote can highlight the need for personal expression beyond national boundaries.
More from Oskar Kokoschka
All quotes →Similar quotes
Ah, good taste! What a dreadful thing! Taste is the enemy of creativeness.
Museums and bookstores should feel, I think, like vacant lots - places where the demands on us are our own demands, where the spirit can find exercise in unsupervised play.
A movie camera is like having someone you have a crush on watching you from afar - you pretend it's not there.
As the beautiful does not exist for the artist and poet alone—though these can find in it more poignant depths of meaning than other men—so the world of Reality exists for all; and all may participate in it, unite with it, according to their measure and to the strength and purity of their desire.
I'd probably be a super wealthy guy if I had sat around writing songs and getting them placed like everyone else I know. But I write songs about people or after I meet them and they're somewhat biographical - they're fiction but also non-fiction.
What makes a good book? Scholars and critics have been debating that question for decades. I like books that touch my head and my heart at the same time.