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Philip Guston Quotes

Painter

Philip Guston was an influential American painter known for his unique style and contributions to modern art. His works combined elements of Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism, showcasing profound emotions and complex themes.

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All Painting Paint Canvas Art Artist Feels Form Ifs Thinking Seems Certain Desire Hands Happens Knows Moving Painter States Studios Disappear

Famous Philip Guston Quotes

“All these troubles revolve around the irritable mutual dependence of life and art - with their need and contempt for one another. Of necessity, to create is a temporary state and cannot be possessed.”

Needs Art States Trouble Mutual Temporary Contempt Possessed Dependence

Book:Philip Guston: Collected Writings, Lectures, and Conversations

Source: Philip Guston: Collected Writings, Lectures, and Conversations

“I feel more as if I'm shaping something with my hands. I feel as if I've always wanted to get to that state. Like a blind man in a dark room had some clay, what would he make? I end up with 2 or 3 forms on a canvas, but it gets very physical for me.”

Ifs Men Feels Ends States Hands Wanted Form Dark Rooms Blind Canvas Clay Blind Man Dark Room

Author:Philip Guston

“What is seen and called the picture is what remains - an evidence. Even as one travels in painting toward a state of 'unfreedom' where only certain things can happen, unaccountably the unknown and free must appear.”

States Happens Certain Painting Evidence Remains

Book:Philip Guston: Collected Writings, Lectures, and Conversations

Source: Philip Guston: Collected Writings, Lectures, and Conversations

“Look at any inspired painting. It's like a gong sounding; it puts you in a state of reverberation.”

Looks States Painting Excellence Inspired Gongs Reverberation

Author:Philip Guston

About the Author

Born: June 27, 1913
Died: June 7, 1980
Known for: Painter
Quotes: 48

Books & Sources

Philip Guston: Collected Writings, Lectures, and ConversationsRelated source material

Philip Guston, 1975-1980: Private and Public BattlesRelated source material

The drawings of Philip GustonRelated source material

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