"I would like the work to be non-work. This means that it would find its way beyond my preconceptions...It is the unknown quantity from which and where I want to go. As a thing, an object, it accedes to its non-logical self. It is something, it is nothing."
About Eva Hesse
Eva Hesse — Life and Legacy
Eva Hesse was a groundbreaking American sculptor whose work in the 1960s redefined the boundaries of contemporary art. Known for her innovative use of materials such as latex and fiberglass, Hesse's sculptures often embody themes of identity, fragility, and the human experience. Her quote, 'I am not a woman artist, I am an artist,' encapsulates her struggle against the gender biases prevalent in the art world, emphasizing her desire to be recognized solely for her artistic contributions. Hesse's core thinking revolved around the interplay between materiality and emotion. She believed that the physical properties of her chosen materials could evoke deeper psychological responses. For instance, her work often reflected a tension between strength and vulnerability, as seen in her piece 'Hang Up,' which challenges traditional notions of sculpture by incorporating elements of both hanging and draping. This approach not only showcases her innovative spirit but also her ability to convey complex emotional states through form. Today, Hesse's quotes and ideas resonate with artists and audiences alike, as they continue to inspire discussions about identity and the role of women in art. Her legacy is a testament to the power of personal experience in shaping artistic expression, making her work and thoughts profoundly relevant in contemporary discourse.
Quote collection
Eva Hesse quotes
13 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I think art is a total thing. A total person giving a contribution. It is an essence, a soul.. In my inner soul art and life are inseparable"
"Don't ask what the work is. Rather, see what the work does."
"Chaos can be structured as non-chaos. That we know from Jackson Pollock."
"Art and work and art and life are very connected and my whole life has been absurd. There isn't a thing in my life that has happened that hasn't been extreme - personal health, family, economic situations...absurdity is the key word."
"I am interested in solving an unknown factor of art and an unknown factor of life."
"What makes a tight circle or a tight little square box more of an intellectual statement than something done emotionally, I don't know. Art is an essence, a center."
"I have a confidence in my understanding of formal aesthetics and I don't want to be aware of it or make that my problem."
"My life and art have not been separated. They have been together."
"First feel sure of idea, then the execution will be easier."
"Life doesn't last, art doesn't last"
"Excellence has no sex."
"In my inner soul art and life are inseparable."