Paul Klee: 'The painter should not paint what he sees, but what will be seen.'

The painter should not paint what he sees, but what will be seen.

The quote by Paul Klee, "The painter should not paint what he sees, but what will be seen," encapsulates a profound insight into the artistic process. In a straightforward interpretation, Klee suggests that painters should not merely replicate the external world as it appears to them, but rather create artwork that evokes the subjective experience and perception of the viewer. This implores the painter to delve into the realm of imagination, where they can transform reality into something that will resonate with the audience.To truly understand the significance of Klee's quote, we can explore it through the lens of an unexpected philosophical concept: phenomenology. Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy that investigates the structures of subjective experience and consciousness. It emphasizes the importance of perception, interpretation, and the role they play in shaping our understanding of reality. By linking phenomenology to Klee's quote, we can shed light on the painter's task of creating art that transcends mere representation.Phenomenology suggests that our experience of the world is not solely determined by the objective qualities of the things we observe, but by the unique perspective and interpretation we bring to them. In this context, Klee's quote nudges painters to move beyond simply capturing what their eyes perceive in a strictly objective sense. Instead, they are encouraged to tap into their intuition, emotions, and imagination in order to convey the essence of what will be seen by others.By engaging with the concept of phenomenology, the quote gains additional depth. It challenges artists to bridge the gap between their own subjective experience and the universe of possible interpretations. It invites them to push the boundaries of representation and explore the underlying essence, emotions, and abstract qualities that can resonate with viewers on a deeper level.The significance of Klee's quote lies in its implications for artists of all mediums, not just painters. It serves as a reminder that art is not merely an act of replication or imitation, but a means of expression and connection. It calls upon artists to embrace their creative instincts and trust their inner voice, leading them to create works that evoke emotions, spark contemplation, and ultimately invite viewers to see the world in new and unexpected ways.From Klee's perspective, the true purpose of art is to provoke a response rather than limit itself to depicting the visible reality. It encourages artists to explore and experiment with different techniques, forms, and interpretations. Through this exploration, they can tap into the collective consciousness and convey universal truths that resonate with diverse audiences regardless of time, place, or culture.In conclusion, Paul Klee's quote, "The painter should not paint what he sees, but what will be seen," offers a thought-provoking approach to the artistic process. By inviting artists to go beyond replication and tap into the vast realm of imagination and subjective experience, it aligns with the principles of phenomenology. This connection emphasizes the importance of perception and interpretation in shaping our understanding of art and the world itself. Through embracing Klee's mantra, artists can create artwork that transcends physical representation and connects on a deeper, more profound level with viewers.