What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things… it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface.
About Constantin Brancusi
Constantin Brancusiwas a Romanian sculptor, painter, and photographer who made his career in France. Considered one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century and a pioneer of modernism, Brancusi is called the patriarch of modern sculpture.
More quotes from Constantin Brancusi
Don’t look for obscure formulas or mystery in my work. It is pure joy that I offer you. Look at my sculptures until you see them. Those closest to God have seen them.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
To see far is one thing, going there is another.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
They are imbeciles who call my work abstract. That which they call abstract is the most realistic, because what is real is not the exterior but the idea, the essence of things.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
Things are not difficult to make; what is difficult is putting ourselves in the state of mind to make them.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
Architecture is inhabited sculpture.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
Theories are patterns without value. What counts is action.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
There hasn’t been any art yet. Art is just beginning.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things… it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
Simplicity is not an objective in art, but one achieves simplicity despite one’s self by entering into the real sense of things.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
Create like a god, command like a king, work like a slave.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)
When you see a fish you don’t think of its scales, do you? You think of its speed, its floating, flashing body seen through the water… If I made fins and eyes and scales, I would arrest its movement, give a pattern or shape of reality. I want just the flash of its spirit.
Romanian sculptor, photographer and painter (1876-1960)