Ian Hamilton Finlay Quotes

If it's good art, it's good.

Art really is something very difficult. It is difficult to make, and it is sometimes difficult for the viewer to understand. It is difficult to work out what is art and what is not art.

Art should be serious, not a joke. I don't like to laugh about art.

I have to assume that everybody interprets a piece of art they're exposed to as if it's already perfect in its wholeness, without knowing any backstory.

Not all art is great; most of it's rubbish.

I don't listen to what art critics say. I don't know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is.

I realize that every picture isn't a work of art.

I think TV promulgates the idea that good art is just art which makes people like and depend on the vehicle that brings them the art.

I know that the arts are important. I'm not denying that, but I can't associate myself with all the claptrap that goes on around it.

To say that a work of art is good, but incomprehensible to the majority of men, is the same as saying of some kind of food that it is very good but that most people can't eat it.

I don't think there's any formula for what makes great art.

Fairs are beneath the dignity of art. To stand there in a booth and hawk your wares - it is just not how you sell art.

We have no other means of recognising a work of art than our feeling for it.

There's a point where art is not subjective, and my example for that is Picasso. If you don't like Picasso, that's your problem.

Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?

Art to me is not precious enough that I feel territorial about what the word gets applied to. Conversations about what counts as art and what doesn't doesn't captivate my attention very much.

There are websites of 'True Detective' artwork out there now, and it's beautiful. And I don't want to take that away from anybody. I know what it means to me. But I don't want to take away anyone's interpretation of the show.

The worst state of affairs is when science begins to concern itself with art.

The philistine provides the best definition of art. Anything that makes him rage is first class.

I think that some works are more accessible than others.

Great art - or good art - is when you look at it, experience it and it stays in your mind. I don't think conceptual art and traditional art are all that different.

Before the people at large, and for that matter, the artists themselves, understand what photography really means, as I understand that term, it is essential for them to be taught the real meaning of art.

Art should never try to be popular. The public should try to make itself artistic.

The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it's dead for you.

I think that the first part of the art is making the art, but when art really becomes art is when it belongs to somebody else.