To paint is a possessing rather than a picturing.
The quote "To paint is a possessing rather than a picturing" by Philip Guston suggests that the act of painting is not simply about creating a visual representation of the world, but rather about deeply engaging with the subject and the medium. Guston implies that when an artist paints, they are not just depicting an image or scene but are immersing themselves in the process, internalizing the subject and making it their own. It’s an act of possession, where the artist's emotions, thoughts, and intentions are poured into the work, transforming the act of painting into a personal experience.
Philip Guston, an influential American painter, was known for his expressive and often abstract works that explored the relationship between the artist and the subject matter. This quote reflects his belief that art goes beyond mere representation and should involve a deeper, more personal connection with what is being created. In possessing, the artist becomes intimately involved in the artwork, imbuing it with their own understanding and emotional experience, rather than simply portraying something externally.
The origin of this quote lies in Guston’s own exploration of expression in art. Throughout his career, he sought to break free from traditional representational art and delve into a more personal and expressive style. Guston’s shift from abstract expressionism to more figurative works was an attempt to capture the raw emotions and experiences that lay beneath the surface of everyday life, making the act of painting a way of possessing the essence of what he saw and felt.
For artists, this quote highlights the importance of engagement with their work. It encourages them to go beyond surface-level depiction and to view painting as an act of involvement and personal ownership. Guston’s words suggest that art is not just about what is represented, but about the deeper connection the artist establishes with their subject, making it a reflection of their inner world and emotional landscape.
H2haicango 2020
I can’t help but compare this quote to photography, where the act of capturing a moment feels more observational. Guston’s idea implies a deeper entanglement—a sense that painting requires an emotional or psychological merger with the subject. But does this 'possessing' risk distorting the truth of what’s being painted? Or is that the whole point—that the artist’s truth becomes more important than the objective reality?
PDThe Phong Doan
This line completely reframes how I view painting. It suggests that the painter isn’t just documenting a moment—they’re embodying it, taking it into themselves. That feels radically different from the idea of a painter as a passive observer. Could this be why abstract or expressionist art can feel so raw and personal? Maybe the image doesn’t matter as much as the internal experience behind it. Does anyone else interpret it this way?
-1Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh - 12a5
I’m really drawn to the intimacy suggested by this quote. Painting as a form of possession seems to point to a profound connection between artist and subject. It’s not just about visual accuracy—it's about absorbing something so fully that it becomes part of you. I’d love to know whether other artists resonate with this idea. Do you think this sense of 'possession' helps explain why some works feel so emotionally charged?
HNHanh Nguyen
I find this statement both intriguing and a little unsettling. If painting is an act of possession, is the artist trying to control or claim ownership over their subject? That brings up questions about power dynamics in art—especially in depictions of people, cultures, or even landscapes. Is Guston suggesting that the act of painting is inherently aggressive or consuming? Or could 'possessing' be interpreted in a more spiritual, symbiotic sense?
KKTruong Huynh Kha Ky
This quote strikes me as deeply psychological. When Guston says painting is about 'possessing,' I wonder—what exactly is being possessed? Is it the subject, the emotion, or perhaps the artist’s own inner landscape? It makes me think that painting is more about internalizing the world rather than representing it objectively. Could this be why some artworks feel so personal, even if the imagery is abstract or seemingly impersonal?