Jackson Pollock: 'It doesn't make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said. Technique is just a means of arriving at a statement.'

It doesn't make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said. Technique is just a means of arriving at a statement.

The quote by Jackson Pollock, "It doesn't make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said. Technique is just a means of arriving at a statement," captures the essence of his revolutionary approach to abstract expressionism. In a straightforward interpretation, Pollock suggests that the process or technique used to apply paint is secondary to the message conveyed by the artwork. What truly matters is the expression and statement made through the act of painting. This quote highlights the importance of artistic intention and the concept that the artist's message transcends the specific techniques employed.However, beneath the surface of this statement lies a philosophical concept that adds an unexpected layer of depth to Pollock's perspective. This concept revolves around the idea that art, in its purest form, serves as a means of communication between the artist and the viewer, creating a dialogue that extends beyond traditional boundaries. Pollock's assertion implies that the process of creation is merely a vehicle for the artist to convey their message, much like language or words are tools for communication. It suggests that the technique employed is interchangeable, as long as the desired statement is effectively conveyed to the audience.This perspective challenges the conventional understanding of art, especially regarding the significance placed on technique. Traditionally, mastery of technique has been considered paramount in evaluating the quality and skill of an artist. However, Pollock's quote encourages us to step back and appreciate art in a different light. It encourages us to view art not solely as a product of technical proficiency but as a medium through which something meaningful is communicated. Technique becomes a means rather than an end, highlighting the significance of the artist's unique vision and the emotional or intellectual impact their work may have on the audience.This concept becomes evident when one examines Pollock's own artistic process. For him, the act of creating was a profoundly immersive experience. He famously employed a technique known as "drip painting," where he would stand over the canvas, pouring, splattering, and flinging paint onto it. This unorthodox method, devoid of meticulously applied brush strokes, allowed him to embody the energy, emotion, and spontaneity he sought to express. His paintings were visual representations of his inner thoughts and feelings, which he imbued into his work through his unbridled approach.In a world where traditional techniques were being questioned, Pollock's quote can be seen as revolutionary. By suggesting that the manner in which paint is applied is of secondary importance, he challenges artistic norms and forces us to reconsider the essence of art itself. This perspective encourages artists to experiment, to embrace their own unique forms of expression, and to prioritize the messages they wish to convey over conformity to established techniques.Moreover, Pollock's quote invites viewers to engage with art on a deeper level. It encourages us to go beyond a surface appreciation for technical skill and to seek the underlying statement or emotion communicated by the artist. Just as words can be powerful, provoking profound emotional responses, art has the same potential. Whether it is through color, form, or abstract expression, art has the ability to speak to us in ways that words cannot. Pollock's quote amplifies the importance of actively engaging with art—of allowing ourselves to be moved and to interpret the messages embedded within the creative process.In conclusion, Jackson Pollock's quote encapsulates his unique artistic philosophy and challenges traditional notions of artistic technique. It emphasizes the primacy of an artist's statement over the technical means employed to create art. By introducing this unexpected philosophical concept, the quote highlights the communicative power of art, encouraging artists to prioritize their message and viewers to seek deeper meanings within the artistic process. Pollock's quote invites us to approach art with open minds and open hearts, allowing ourselves to be moved and transformed by its captivating language.