"Great art is never produced for its own sake. It is too difficult to be worth the effort"

Robert Quillen’s observation about the purpose of art challenges the notion that artistic creation is motivated merely by an abstract pursuit of beauty or form. He suggests that the act of creating great art is so demanding, mentally, emotionally, often physically, that artists would not subject themselves to these trials simply for the sake of art itself. There must be a more compelling reason behind their efforts.

The idea that art can or should exist “for its own sake”, the credo of “art for art’s sake”, posits that art does not need to serve any moral, political, or didactic function. Quillen contests this view, implying that the immense difficulty involved in creating masterpiece-level art would render the process fruitless if it were only about the art itself. A deeper motivation is required, whether it is self-expression, a desire to communicate emotion, social commentary, spiritual exploration, or seeking connection with others. Art of greatness, he implies, is a vehicle, not a destination; it is a means to express complex facets of the human experience or to fulfill deep personal and cultural needs.

Furthermore, Quillen’s statement underscores the sacrifice intrinsic to producing remarkable art. The cost, time, energy, psychological toll, outweighs the reward if done only for art’s sanctity. Instead, the artist must be driven by something larger than artistic purity: perhaps a longing for personal catharsis, the pursuit of truth, the need to influence perception, or to inspire transformation in others. This sentiment elevates the role of the artist beyond mere craftsman or aesthetician, highlighting the courage and vulnerability required to pursue artistic excellence when the path is arduous and uncertain.

In essence, Quillen reframes the endeavor of art-making as an act of purpose over pleasure or self-serving indulgence, grounding great artistry in the vital motivations that make the creative struggle worthwhile.