Artists live in unknown spaces and give themselves over to following something unknown.
The quote "Artists live in unknown spaces and give themselves over to following something unknown" by Kiki Smith emphasizes the uncertainty and exploration inherent in the life of an artist. Smith suggests that artists often venture into uncharted territory, both physically and mentally, as they create. They do not work within fixed boundaries or predefined rules; instead, they allow themselves to be guided by intuition and the unknown, embracing the uncertainty that comes with the creative process.
In this context, the unknown spaces represent the places where artists explore their ideas, emotions, and expressions. These spaces are not always tangible or concrete but are more abstract, often connected to the artist's internal world or the broader cultural and societal realms they seek to address. The act of following something unknown reflects the artist's willingness to take risks, to challenge norms, and to venture into creative and conceptual areas that are not yet fully understood or defined.
The origin of this quote comes from Smith's own approach to art, which is known for its exploration of themes like the human body, mortality, and the natural world. As a contemporary artist, Smith’s works often engage with vulnerability and transformation, capturing the complexities of existence in ways that are open-ended and interpretative. Her view on art as a journey into the unknown mirrors her personal artistic practice, where the process itself is just as important as the final outcome.
By stating that artists "give themselves over to following something unknown," Smith speaks to the artist's willingness to surrender to the creative process. It’s a reminder that art is not just about controlled execution but also about embracing the mysteries, surprises, and uncertainties that arise when exploring new ideas. This quote celebrates the freedom and courage required for artists to navigate unknown realms and discover new paths in their work.
DNDiu Nguyen
The way this quote frames the artist’s journey almost makes it sound like a calling or vocation—something deeper than a job or a hobby. Is this why so many artists describe their work as a need rather than a choice? And if the unknown is always shifting, does that mean an artist’s work is never really finished, just paused at a point of momentary clarity?
NBDinh Hoang Ngoc Bao
As a reader, this quote both inspires and confuses me. I like the idea that true art isn't always deliberate, that it's born from something intangible. But what about the role of skill, training, and discipline? Are those less important than simply 'following the unknown'? Or are they the tools that help artists bring the unknown into form? This tension fascinates me.
MPLe hoang Minh Phat
Smith’s words feel almost mythic, like artists are modern-day explorers venturing into territories no one else dares to touch. But does this sense of mystery isolate them from the rest of society? If an artist lives too long in the 'unknown,' can it make their work inaccessible to others? I wonder if there’s a balance between discovery and communication that all artists have to strike eventually.
VHNguyen Van Hiep
This quote beautifully captures the almost spiritual aspect of creativity. It feels like artists are guided more by intuition than logic, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting. I'm curious though: does this surrender to the unknown ever conflict with deadlines or commercial expectations? How do professional artists reconcile this organic process with the pressure to produce consistently or please an audience?
Ppham
I really relate to this. As someone who dabbles in writing, I often feel like I'm chasing shadows I can't fully define. There's something mysterious about the creative process—it doesn't always have a roadmap. But is this sense of surrender romanticized too much? At what point does it become reckless or paralyzing rather than freeing? I'd love to hear how artists navigate that fine line between exploration and getting lost.