Baz Luhrmann: 'I feel funny about owning art. I don't really want to say: 'Wow, come and see my Monet - it's in a dark room at the bottom of my cellar.''

I feel funny about owning art. I don't really want to say: 'Wow, come and see my Monet - it's in a dark room at the bottom of my cellar.'

The quote by Baz Luhrmann, "I feel funny about owning art. I don't really want to say: 'Wow, come and see my Monet - it's in a dark room at the bottom of my cellar,'" raises an intriguing question about the relationship between art ownership and personal connection. Luhrmann's sentiment speaks to a reluctance to possess and display artworks as a mere demonstration of wealth or status, preferring instead a more intimate and accessible experience. Essentially, he challenges the notion of art as a possession to be admired solely in seclusion, suggesting a desire for art to be shared openly and embraced by all.Delving deeper into this thought, the quote invites us to consider the significance of art's purpose beyond being a detached object of ownership. It leads us to contemplate the true essence of artistic expression – the way it can shape our thoughts, emotions, and understanding of the world around us. In a world where consumerism often dominates, Luhrmann's perspective offers a refreshing angle that prompts us to question how we relate to art and what it truly means to appreciate and engage with it.In the context of art as a possession, we find ourselves grappling with the paradoxical nature of owning something as intangible as creativity and human expression. Art speaks to something profound within us, touching our souls in ways that often evade concrete explanation. To reduce it to mere property, locked away and hidden from the world, seems to contradict its very purpose – to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and spark conversations.Luhrmann's resistance toward this traditional notion of art ownership aligns with a broader philosophical concept known as "aesthetic experience." This concept contends that art's purpose lies not in possessing it, but in the transformative encounter it offers. Instead of focusing on ownership, the emphasis shifts towards engaging with art as a catalyst for personal growth and collective dialogue.By comparing and contrasting these two perspectives, we begin to see the implications of approaching art as a possession versus engaging with it as a shared experience. The former confines art to the private realm, limiting its impact and influence. In contrast, the latter opens up art to the public, exposing it to different interpretations and allowing its impact to reach far and wide.When art is treated as a possession, the emphasis often falls on its market value, rarity, and exclusivity. The art becomes an object of speculation, its significance overshadowed by its price tag. Yet, the true power of art lies not in its monetary worth but in its ability to transcend boundaries and ignite a collective consciousness. When art is freely accessible and openly shared, it becomes a democratic force that can inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life.Luhrmann's quote urges us to reconsider the purpose of possessing art and invites us to embrace a more inclusive approach. Perhaps it is in the act of sharing art, of welcoming others to experience its beauty and contemplate its meaning, that we truly honor its creators. Rather than confined to the dark recesses of a cellar, art should be celebrated and displayed in a manner that fosters connection, enlightenment, and a shared appreciation for the power of human creativity.Ultimately, Baz Luhrmann's thought-provoking quote encourages us to look beyond the superficial trappings of ownership and consider the profound impact art can have when it is liberated from confined spaces. It challenges us to reimagine our relationship with art and advocate for its accessibility to all. In doing so, we may discover that the true value of art lies not in owning it, but in the profound effect it has on our lives and the world around us.