Jackson Pollock: 'The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.'

The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.

Jackson Pollock, an influential American painter, once stated, 'The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.' This quote encapsulates his unique approach to art and reveals a deeper philosophy that artists can connect with. Essentially, Pollock conveys that a painting is not merely a static creation but possesses its own essence, separate from the artist's intentions and actions. He surrenders control and allows the painting to guide him, effectively becoming a conduit for its expression.To fully grasp the significance of this quote, we must delve into Pollock's artistic style. He was a key figure in the abstract expressionist movement, known for his distinctive drip painting technique. Pollock would lay a large canvas on the floor, using sticks, brushes, and even his hands to manipulate paint and create intricate and dynamic compositions. Rather than planning every stroke meticulously, he embraced spontaneity, intuition, and the serendipitous nature of the process. By letting go of conscious control, he opened himself up to unanticipated and profound artistic possibilities.But the quote goes beyond a simple artistic perspective; it touches upon something deeper and more profound. When Pollock suggests that the painting has a life of its own, he implies that it possesses an independent, sentient nature—a concept that can be related to broader philosophical ideas. This brings to mind the concept of self-organization in complex systems, where patterns and behaviors emerge from interactions between simple elements.In the realm of philosophy, this idea aligns with the notion that everything in the universe is interconnected and possesses an inherent intelligence. The painting, in this context, becomes the embodiment of this intelligence, forming its own narrative and meaning through its unique arrangement of colors, lines, and textures. It is as though Pollock recognizes that the painting is an entity that breathes life into its surroundings and has the power to communicate with the viewer on a subconscious level.On the other hand, the artist's role is not diminished or reduced to that of a passive observer. Instead, Pollock emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between artist and artwork. He positions himself as a facilitator, allowing the painting to reveal itself through him. This approach challenges traditional notions of authorship and demonstrates the painter's willingness to embrace creativity as a collaborative process.By comparing and contrasting Pollock's quote with philosophical concepts, we gain a deeper understanding of the artist's mindset and the significance of relinquishing control. We can apply this perspective not only to art but also to life itself. It serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, by surrendering control and allowing things to evolve naturally, we can tap into a higher creative force, yielding results that surpass our own expectations.In conclusion, Jackson Pollock's quote, 'The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through,' invites us to consider the dynamic and sentient nature of art. It demonstrates the artist's willingness to relinquish control and embrace the unexpected, allowing the painting to guide its own creation. This concept resonates beyond the realm of art, hinting at a deeper philosophical understanding of interconnectedness and self-organization. By recognizing the unique essence of each creation and surrendering control, we can tap into a greater creative force in both art and life.