"So I am totally aware that when I defend the autonomy of art I'm going counter to my own development. It's more an instinctive reaction, meant to protect the private aspect of the work, the part I am most interested in and which nowadays is at risk in our culture"

Thom Mayne's quote touches upon the stress in between personal creativity and external influence in the world of art and architecture. When Mayne speak about defending the autonomy of art, he's advocating for the independence of artistic expression. This autonomy permits personal vision and creativity to flourish, unimpeded by external pressures such as business interests, societal expectations, or political impacts. However, Mayne acknowledges a paradox in his stance: by safeguarding creative autonomy, he is, in some ways, opposing his own advancement as an artist. This suggests that his growth has actually inevitably been shaped by various external aspects and cooperations that have influenced his work over time.

Mayne's usage of the word "instinctive" highlights that his desire to safeguard art's autonomy emerges from an inherent need to maintain the stability of the imaginative procedure. He is worried about securing the "personal element of the work", which most likely describes the intimate and introspective process of creation that is important to the credibility of any creative venture. This aspect is "at danger in our culture", which Mayne suggests is controlled by external pressures that can water down the purity of artistic intent.

In a broader cultural context, the quote shows issues about how modern society often advertises and commodifies art, potentially stifling the originality and depth that originate from an artist's personal vision. Mayne's reflection works as a reminder of the value of keeping a balance between individual creative stability and the demands of the external world. His words motivate artists to remain vigilant in safeguarding the core of their imaginative motivations, even as they navigate and adjust to an ever-changing cultural landscape.