"Whatever an artist's personal feelings are, as soon as an artist fills a certain area on the canvas or circumscribes it, he becomes historical. He acts from or upon other artists"

This quote by Willem de Kooning speaks to the idea that an artist's work is not only a reflection of their individual feelings, but likewise a reflection of the history of art. By filling a certain location on the canvas or circumscribing it, an artist is not only revealing their own sensations, but also responding to the work of other artists. This quote suggests that an artist's work is not just a reflection of their own feelings, however likewise a reflection of the history of art. It suggests that an artist's work is a discussion between themselves and other artists, and that their work belongs of a bigger conversation. This quote talks to the concept that art is a cumulative effort, which an artist's work is a part of a larger conversation. It suggests that an artist's work is not just a reflection of their own sensations, but also a reflection of the history of art.