"The artist's job is to be a witness to his time in history"
- Robert Rauschenberg
About this Quote
The quote by Robert Rauschenberg talks to the value of art in capturing and preserving history. As an artist, it is their obligation to document the occasions of their time, to be a witness to the world around them. This could imply capturing the beauty of a minute, or the tragedy of a circumstance. Through their art, they can create a lasting record of the time in which they lived. Art can be utilized to tell stories, to reveal feelings, and to create a visual representation of the past. It is an effective tool for maintaining history and enabling future generations to understand the events of the past. By being a witness to their time in history, artists can make sure that their work will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
