"There is only one valuable thing in art: the thing you cannot explain"
About this Quote
Georges Braque, a popular figure in the advancement of Cubism alongside Pablo Picasso, provides a thought-provoking point of view on art with his quote: "There is just one valuable thing in art: the important things you can not explain". This statement encapsulates the enigmatic and inexpressible quality that often defines the essence of artistic expression. Braque suggests that the intrinsic worth in art lies not in its capability to be dissected and rationalized however in its capacity to stimulate extensive, inexplicable feelings and thoughts in its viewers.
Art grows in the world of subjectivity, where individual interpretation and emotional action take precedence over objective analysis. Braque's assertion indicate the mystical aspect of art-- the part that withstands language, analysis, and reductionist explanations. It underscores the idea that some experiences, sensations, and responses set off by art transcend verbal expression. This ineffability is what endows art with its distinct power and allure. It welcomes audiences into a deeper engagement, encouraging them to explore their subconscious, memories, and emotions in a quest to connect with the piece on an individual level.
In addition, Braque's statement challenges the notion of art as an ability or strategy that can be completely mastered and comprehended through study and analysis. By focusing on the "thing you can not describe", the quote highlights the spontaneity and instinctive aspects of creative creation. It accentuates the idea that real art elicits mystery and wonder, using more questions than answers and engaging the audience in a continuous conversation beyond the canvas.
In essence, Braque's words commemorate the transformative and transcendent elements of art, which enable it to stay timeless and continually pertinent. By welcoming the mysterious, art keeps its capability to surprise, confound, and deeply move audiences throughout various cultures and eras.