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"从纯艺术的角度来看,没有所谓本身低劣或毫无可能性的主题,可以几乎将其确立为一条公理,没有好坏之分的主题。"

Gustave Flaubert
Gustave Flaubert Novelist
Translations
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Quote meaning
At its heart, this quote is saying that in the realm of pure art, there's no topic that's inherently good or bad. Anything can be transformed into something beautiful or meaningful. It's all about the perspective and creativity of the artist. No subject matter is too mundane or unworthy; it's the artist's touch that brings out its potential.

Historically, this idea has been echoed by many artists and thinkers. Take the early 20th century, for instance. This was a time when traditional notions of what constituted 'proper' subjects for art were being challenged. Think about the Dadaists or the Surrealists – they took everyday objects, like a urinal (thanks, Duchamp), and turned them into provocative pieces of art. This quote aligns perfectly with that revolutionary spirit.

Let's dive into a real-life example to make this clear. Imagine a photographer who's captivated by the overlooked corners of a bustling city. Instead of focusing on the grand architecture or vibrant street performances, they hone in on the peeling paint on an old bench, the reflections in a puddle after rain, or the intricate patterns of rust on a forgotten fence. These subjects, seemingly mundane and easily ignored, are brought to life through the photographer's lens. The resulting images can evoke nostalgia, beauty, and wonder, proving that no subject is without artistic potential.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own creative endeavors? Start by shedding any preconceived notions about what makes a subject 'worthy' of your attention. Embrace the ordinary. Challenge yourself to find beauty and interest in the things you might usually overlook. Carry a sketchbook or a camera with you and capture snippets of the everyday. Train your eye to see the potential in everything around you. It's not about the subject itself but how you interpret and present it.

Here's a scenario to help illustrate this concept. Imagine you're sitting in a dull waiting room—white walls, generic magazines, a ticking clock. On the surface, it seems uninspiring. But what if you looked closer? The way the sunlight filters through the blinds, casting shadows across the floor, could be fascinating. Maybe the rhythmic ticking of the clock sets a meditative tone, or there's something intriguing about the way the magazines are fanned out on the table. If you were to sketch or photograph this scene, focusing on these elements, you might discover an unexpected depth and beauty.

See, the mundane is just waiting for your unique perspective. The key is to stay curious and open-minded. By doing so, you not only enrich your art but also your way of seeing the world. It's like finding magic in the everyday—once you start looking, there's no end to what you can discover. So go ahead, embrace the ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary.
Related tags
Aesthetics Art Art theory Artistic philosophy Perspective Subjectivity
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