Home / Quotes / Quote by Vito Acconci

Quote by Vito Acconci

“As a kid I learned notions of art and notions of not having any money.”

Author

Vito Acconci (January 24, 1940 – April 28, 2017) was an American designer, performance artist, and architect. He first gained fame for his provocative performance and conceptual art, later transitioning to architecture and design, founding Acconci Studio. His work blurs the lines between art and architecture, emphasizing the interaction between space and the body. Key works include 'Seedbed' and 'Following Piece.' Acconci is considered a pioneer in public art and experimental architecture, influencing generations of artists and designers. more

“It was an incredible way to grow up, because words that you're taught - these definite things - you realize they sort of beautifully fall apart; that words are tenuous. In the middle of a large word, there's a small word that possibly contradicts the larger word. So I grew up where, on the one hand, the only thing I would ever think of doing was something in writing, music, or art, and on the other hand, I could've reacted strongly against it because it would've been a way to rebel.”

Thinking Writing Art Fall Realizing Growing Up Incredibles Rebel Falling Apart

Author:Vito Acconci

“The great thing about the Guggenheim is that you can see art in the fastest way if you want to. Which isn't bad. It's almost like Frank Lloyd Wright didn't know something called the Internet was going to exist, so he made it so you can go down as fast as possible.”

Art Internet Great Things Frank

Author:Vito Acconci

“I always thought, I can't waste time, I have to do work. I also thought that I was slower than other people, that I had to concentrate more. I always thought, I'm not brilliant, I have to work. That was something I embedded in myself very early: I have to go home and write. But did I get any more work done than people like Frank O'Hara, who were always going to parties? Probably not.”

People Writing Done Home Party Brilliant Wasting Time Frank Embedded

Author:Vito Acconci

“Maybe I can pull at my breast in a kind of futile attempt to develop a woman's breast. It's not that simple to become a woman. But I think what was important, when I think back on that work, is something like The Little Engine That Could. It's me saying, I think I can, I think I can. Though I'm doing something I obviously can't, it's the process toward it that is important. The will toward it, the effort . . . My work was about getting to a place that you couldn't get to.”

Thinking Kind Important Simple Effort

Author:Vito Acconci