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Richard Kern Quotes

Powerful Richard Kern for Daily Growth

About Richard Kern

Richard Kern (born July 28, 1954) is an American independent filmmaker, photographer, musician, and artist, whose provocative and visceral work has significantly impacted the underground art scene in New York City since the mid-1980s. Kern was born in Baltimore, Maryland but grew up in Miami Beach, Florida. He moved to New York City in 1972, where he became involved with the punk rock movement and the No Wave film scene. Influenced by underground cinema pioneers such as Jonas Mekas and John Waters, Kern's early works were raw, lo-fi films featuring his friends from the New York punk scene. Kern's breakthrough came with the short film "A Day in the Life of Marion" (1982), which was shown at the Whitney Museum of American Art. This film and subsequent works like "New York Beat" (1983) and "Dreaming in Reverse" (1985) established him as a key figure in the burgeoning independent cinema scene. Kern's work often explores themes of violence, sexuality, and urban decay, reflecting his experiences growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood in Miami Beach and living through the gritty 1970s and 1980s in New York City. His unflinching, sometimes controversial style has been both celebrated and criticized, but his impact on contemporary art, cinema, and music is undeniable. In addition to his film work, Kern is also a renowned photographer, with his images appearing in numerous publications including Interview Magazine and Vice. He has collaborated with musicians such as Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, and PJ Harvey on album covers and music videos. Today, Richard Kern continues to create provocative art that pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions. His work serves as a testament to the power of independent creativity and the enduring allure of the underground.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"There's a very thin line between beautiful and terrifying."

The quote by Richard Kern, "There's a very thin line between beautiful and terrifying," suggests that the distinction between what we find attractive or appealing and what induces fear or discomfort is often tenuous. It implies that our perception of beauty can be influenced by factors like context, personal experience, or cultural norms, such that something can seem both alluring and unsettling at the same time. This quote encourages us to explore the complexity and ambiguity in our perceptions, recognizing that what we find beautiful may also hold elements of the unknown or the ominous.

"Everything is either moving towards you or moving away from you."

This quote by Richard Kern suggests that every aspect of life, be it people, opportunities, or situations, can be categorized as approaching us (moving towards) or receding from us (moving away). It emphasizes the idea that our actions, decisions, and mindset influence whether we attract positive outcomes or repel them. Essentially, it encourages individuals to maintain a proactive approach and embrace opportunities in order to achieve desired results.

"Art should make you feel something. If it doesn't then it has no purpose."

Richard Kern's quote emphasizes that art is meant to evoke emotions, sensations, or reactions from its audience. In other words, if a piece of art fails to stir any emotional response, then it lacks its fundamental purpose - to connect with people on an intimate level. This could be through joy, sadness, wonder, frustration, or any other human emotion that adds meaning and depth to the viewer's experience. Art that resonates is often memorable because it transcends merely being seen; it becomes felt, internalized, and personal.

"The best thing about making films is that anything can happen."

Richard Kern's quote underscores the creative freedom and unpredictability inherent in filmmaking. His statement suggests that the medium of cinema offers boundless possibilities, enabling filmmakers to experiment, innovate, and bring their wildest ideas to life. The beauty of making films is not only in the finished product but also in the journey of creation, where unexpected events or discoveries can significantly shape the final outcome. This quote encapsulates the spirit of artistic expression and the adventure that lies in the creative process.

"I think the most important thing to know about being a director is that there are no rules."

This quote by Richard Kern suggests that in filmmaking, there are no fixed or absolute guidelines that must be followed. Instead, creative freedom allows directors to experiment, innovate, and express themselves uniquely with each project. The emphasis here is on individual creativity, personal vision, and the flexibility to break norms if it serves the story being told.

A lot of the point mags are going out of business. They dropped the pay tremendously and it's all because of the internet. I used to go out once a month to LA and shoot for one week. I'd make a ton of money then come back to New York and do whatever I wanted.

- Richard Kern

Week, Back, Dropped, La

Not for models. SuicideGirls is a mystery to me because I thought only women ran the site.

- Richard Kern

Mystery, Models, Site, Ran

Then I became aware of the site as the traffic for it became higher. The most recent contact was this girl Lily. She wanted me to shoot her for the site and she actually showed up. There a lot of people who contact me to do a shoot for a website then you never hear from them.

- Richard Kern

Aware, Became, Lot, Recent

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