"Art must be magical and mysterious."
Clyfford Still's quote emphasizes that art should evoke a sense of magic and mystery, inviting viewers to explore beyond the surface level. This means that successful art transcends simple understanding, provoking curiosity, imagination, and emotional responses from its audience. The magic lies in its ability to captivate, while the mystery resides in the open-ended interpretations and unique connections each individual makes with it.
"I have no fear of modern art manifestations, I am modernism itself."
This quote by Clyfford Still suggests that he embodies the essence and spirit of modernism in art. He sees himself not just as a participant but as an embodiment of the avant-garde ideas, movements, and philosophies that define contemporary art. In other words, Still considers himself to be a pioneer who pushes the boundaries of what is considered modern or progressive in the world of visual arts.
"The function of modern art is to widen the scope of human experience."
Clyfford Still's quote suggests that modern art, through its innovative and experimental nature, aims to expand our collective human understanding and awareness. This expansion transcends traditional perceptions, fosters growth, and encourages us to explore new realms of emotion, thought, and experience. By doing so, it enriches the scope of what it means to be human, fostering a more comprehensive, empathetic, and inclusive society.
"I think it is a terrible mistake for a man to try to make something out of nothing. He should take what nature offers him and shape it to his will."
This quote by Clyfford Still emphasizes the importance of working with existing resources rather than attempting to create from scratch or fabricate. It suggests that true creativity lies in the transformation, interpretation, and shaping of what nature or the world offers us, as opposed to trying to invent something out of thin air. This perspective underscores the idea that genuine artistic expression often stems from engaging with reality, drawing inspiration from life experiences and the environment around us.
"Art, in its broadest and highest sense, is a spiritually exalting activity which absorbs us completely and leaves no room for anything else. One has only to think of the great artists of all time—be they poets, musicians, painters or sculptors—to realize that their art was not just something they did to occupy their leisure but it was an almost religious necessity for them."
Clyfford Still's quote suggests that art is not merely a hobby or pastime, but a profound and spiritually enriching pursuit. He implies that great artists are driven to create not out of convenience, but out of an inherent compulsion or calling, much like a religious vocation. For them, the act of creating art is all-consuming, leaving no room for anything else in their lives. In essence, Still posits that art has the power to elevate the human spirit and transcend ordinary life, making it an important and essential aspect of our existence.
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