Quotes about art

Art is not life, but in a sense something contrary to life, since life is transient and changing, while art is permanent.

If the language of art is not accessible to ordinary language and ordinary experience, how can it be accessible to ordinary people?

In their different ways, art and philosophy help us, in Schopenhauer's words, to turn pain into knowledge.

The greatest works of art speak to us without knowing us.

Without passion there is no art, only technique.

They could not see the effort which went into the art, and would consequently grow bored with it more quickly.

Art, like a lot of things, is a lost art.

I’m an artist who is always looking for what is possible. I’m always looking to extend the boundaries.

Art is not an end but a beginning.

Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it. I don’t feel that much anger. I equally have a lot of joy.

My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression, a new way of communication. It is never about exhibiting in museums or about hanging it on the wall. Art should live in the heart of the people. Ordinary people should have the same ability to understand art as anybody else. I don’t think art is elite or mysterious. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate art from politics is itself a very political intention.

Living in a system under the Communist ideology, an artist cannot avoid fighting for freedom of expression. You always have to be aware that art is not only a self-expression but a demonstration of human rights and dignity. To express yourself freely, a right as personal as it is, has always been difficult, given the political situation.