"Works of art produced in the contemporary world are a further expression of that. But I don't think there is an active, ongoing nihilist self-consciousness in the artist"

Leonard Baskin's quote addresses the nature of modern art and the frame of mind of the artists who develop it. In evaluating his declaration, a number of essential themes emerge.

Firstly, Baskin acknowledges that modern masterpieces communicate an extension of past creative expressions. This suggests that modern art functions as a continuum of human imagination and intellectual discourse, where existing pieces show or respond to historic, cultural, and philosophical legacies. The expression "a further expression of that" indicates an evolutionary process in art where new pieces build on or react to previous works, making it possible for continuous dialogues throughout time periods.

However, Baskin introduces an important perspective when he describes the concept of nihilism, the philosophical belief that life lacks intrinsic meaning, purpose, or value. By specifying, "I don't think there is an active, continuous nihilist self-consciousness in the artist", Baskin challenges the idea that modern artists are guided by a nihilistic outlook. He implies that while the themes of absurdity, meaninglessness, or existential doubt might exist in art, these do not consistently specify the artists' motivations or self-awareness. For that reason, even when contemporary art explores styles traditionally connected with nihilism, such as mayhem or absurdity, Baskin argues that this is not always indicative of an ingrained, philosophical dedication to nihilism within the artists themselves.

Baskin's observation could recommend that contemporary artists, although checking out a variety of themes consisting of existential queries, do so without being overtly taken in by them. Instead, they may be driven by interest, imagination, or a desire to provoke thought. Hence, his declaration welcomes a conversation about the intentions behind art and how artists navigate and add to the cultural and philosophical landscapes of their time, not bound by single schools of idea but rather engaging with a wide range of impacts and concepts.