Edgar Degas: 'One must do the same subject over again ten times, a hundred times. In art nothing must resemble an accident, not even movement.'

One must do the same subject over again ten times, a hundred times. In art nothing must resemble an accident, not even movement.

In the art world, there are often debates about the significance of repetition and the role it plays in an artist's journey. Edgar Degas, renowned for his Impressionist paintings, once said, 'One must do the same subject over again ten times, a hundred times. In art, nothing must resemble an accident, not even movement.' This quote encapsulates the idea that true mastery and comprehension of a subject require careful study and observation. Degas believed that through repetition, artists could capture the essence of their subject matter, avoiding any accidental or haphazard elements. While this notion may seem straightforward, it also opens the door to a broader philosophical concept – the paradox of creative spontaneity and deliberate practice.Degas's quote emphasizes the relentless exploration of the same subject matter through repetitive iterations. By doing so, an artist can delve deeper into the nuances of their subject and truly understand its essence. It is through this level of familiarity that an artist can create work that appears effortless and spontaneous, despite being thoroughly deliberate.The concept of repetition in art is not a new one. Throughout history, artists and creators from various disciplines have echoed Degas's sentiment. Consider, for instance, the iconic composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who is known to have spent countless hours composing and revising his compositions. His pursuit of perfection required him to revisit melodies and themes repeatedly, honing his craft and bringing his musical vision to life.Similarly, the philosopher Aristotle advocated for the repeated exploration of ideas as a means to develop expertise and gain a comprehensive understanding of a subject. He believed that deliberate practice and repetition were crucial in achieving excellence, stating, "Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather, we have those because we have acted rightly."However, while repetition and deliberate practice are vital for artistic growth, they can also be seen as standing in opposition to the spontaneous and seemingly accidental moments within art. Consider the mesmerizing fluidity captured in a dancer's leap or the naturalistic movement found in the brushstrokes of a landscape painting. These instances often arise from a moment of inspiration or an artist's instinctive response to their subject matter. They seem to defy the notion of repetition and deliberate practice that Degas advocated for.This paradox highlights the delicate balance between disciplined repetition and creative spontaneity. The diligent study of a subject enables an artist to understand and replicate its essence, while moments of improvisation and instinct bring forth the lively energy that makes art captivating. It is within this interplay between control and spontaneity that an artist's individual style emerges and resonates with an audience.To further explore this paradox, consider the work of Salvador Dali, the master of Surrealism. Dali's paintings often juxtapose the dreamlike and the rational, blending reality and fantasy in unexpected ways. His art showcases the power of embracing both repetition and spontaneity. Dali's meticulous attention to detail and the inclusion of repetitive motifs heighten the impact of his surrealist visions. By repeating certain elements, such as melting clocks or elongated figures, he created a sense of consistency that anchored his imaginative worlds. Yet, within these carefully composed scenes, Dali also allowed for spontaneous and unexpected elements to emerge, defying conventional expectations and leading viewers on a journey of exploration and contemplation.In conclusion, Edgar Degas's quote encourages artists to approach their subjects with patience, dedication, and a willingness to repeat them tirelessly. The idea that nothing in art should resemble an accident speaks to the importance of deliberate practice and deep understanding. However, this concept also prompts us to reflect on the paradox between repetition and creative spontaneity. It is through the interplay of disciplined repetition and intuitive improvisation that artists can truly unlock their potential and create works that resonate with audiences for generations to come. So let us embrace the exploratory process, engage in the dance between control and instinct, and find our own unique artistic voice.