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 βSimilar quotes
Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams.
Never try to convey your idea to the audience - it is a thankless and senseless task. Show them life, and they'll find within themselves the means to assess and appreciate it.
I tell you before God, and as an honest man, your son (W A Mozart)is the greatest composer known to me by person and repute, he has taste and what is more the greatest skill in composition.
I have the feeling that a lot of poets writing now are - they sort of tap dance through it.
Good directing is good writing and good casting.
I'm trying to discover - invent, I suppose - an architecture, and forms of urban planning, that do something of the same thing in a contemporary way. I started out trying to create buildings that would sparkle like isolated jewels; now I want them to connect, to form a new kind of landscape, to flow together with contemporary cities and the lives of their peoples.