"Style is a fraud. I always felt the Greeks were hiding behind their columns"

In this quote, Willem de Kooning is expressing his belief that style is not a real representation of an artist's real self. He sees it as a facade, a deceptiveness utilized to conceal one's true intentions or sensations. He then compares this to the ancient Greeks, who were understood for their grand and elaborate architectural style, especially their use of columns. De Kooning suggests that the Greeks were using their excellent style to mask or distract from something else, perhaps their own flaws or insecurities. In general, this quote speaks to the idea that design can be a kind of deception, which true artistry depends on credibility and sincerity.