"I've always felt that if one was going to take seriously this vocation as an artist, you have to get beyond that decorative facade"
- Anish Kapoor
About this Quote
Anish Kapoor's quote talks to the depth and severity with which one should approach the vocation of being an artist. At its core, Kapoor is attending to the distinction between art that merely decorates and art that probes deeper into the human experience, provoking idea, feeling, and self-questioning.
When he discusses "ornamental exterior", he is likely describing art that prioritizes aesthetic appeal without engaging with complex or extensive topic. This sort of art serves a function in beautifying areas and can offer enjoyment in its simpleness and appeal. Nevertheless, Kapoor challenges artists to transcend this shallow layer. By highlighting the requirement to "get beyond" it, he encourages a pursuit of art that engages with deeper intellectual or existential themes, showing the nuanced realities of life.
Kapoor suggests that an artist's vocation-- or calling, if truly taken seriously-- demands a commitment to exploring these depths. This kind of art resists easy consumption or simple design; instead, it invites viewers to ponder, question, and in some cases even challenge unpleasant realities. It involves a vulnerability and nerve on the artist's part, as they reveal something deeply personal or culturally significant through their work.
In this quote, Kapoor is advocating for credibility and stability in art. Rather than looking for to please a broad audience with acceptable aesthetics, he implies that the real occupation of an artist lies in their capability to express distinct point of views, provoke dialogue, and elicit profound psychological actions. Art that moves beyond the "decorative exterior" has the potential to change people and societies by fostering a much deeper understanding of the intricacies of presence.
Ultimately, Kapoor's declaration is a call to artists to engage with their medium not simply as a tool for design, however as an effective lorry for expedition and communication of the human spirit.
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