“Once, Picasso was asked what his paintings meant. He said, “Do you ever know what the birds are singing? You don’t. But you listen to them anyway.” So, sometimes with art, it is important
just to look.”

Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Marina Abramović 6
Yugoslav-American artist 1946

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“I was sitting in the barn, drawing a dead bird which I had put on a box. Then the barn door opened and Kees entered [an old iron-merchant, already retired].... He came down next to me.... After a short silence he said: 'Are you painting? '.... it looks somewhat like that bird'. I said: 'To me that means a compliment Kees, because I am trying to draw that bird.' Stunned, he looked at me and asked, "Why are you doing that?" What could I answer? I said: Actually, I don't know myself'. Then he hoisted himself to his feet and said, I'll bring you the stuff next Monday' and he went to the door..”

Jopie Huisman (1922–2000) Dutch painter

translation, Fons Heijnsbroek, 2018
version in original Dutch / citaat van Jopie Huisman, in het Nederlands: ** Ik zat in de schuur en tekende een dode vogel, die ik op een kistje had neergelegd. Toen ging de schuurdeur open en kwam Kees binnen [een oud ijzerkoopman, al met pensioen].. ..Hij ging op zijn hurken naast me zitten.. ..Toen zei hij, na een korte stilte: 'Ben je aan het schilderen?'.. .. 'Het lijkt wel wat op die vogel'. Ik zei: 'Dat is voor mij een compliment, Kees, want die vogel probeer ik na te tekenen.' Stomverbaasd keek hij me aan en vroeg: 'Waarom doe je dat?' Wat moest ik daar nu op antwoorden? Ik zei: 'Ja, dat weet ik eigenlijk zelf ook niet'. Toen hees hij zichzelf overeind en zei 'Ik breng de rommel maandag wel bij je.' Hij liep naar de deur..
Source: Jopie de Verteller' (2010) - postumous, p. 27

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“Sometimes it hurts to look at you,” I said. I loved that I could say that and he knew exactly what I meant.”

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“I don’t know what’s meant by Know thyself, which seems to ask a window to look at a window.”

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