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The artist is always the servant, and is perpetually trying to pay for the gift that has been given to him as if by a miracle. Modern man, however, does not want to make any sacrifice, even though true affirmation of the self can only be expressed in sacrifice.

— Andrei Tarkovsky Sculpting in Time (1986)

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More quotes by Andrei Tarkovsky

Art is realistic when it strives to express an ethical ideal. Realism is striving for truth, and truth is always beautiful. Here the aesthetic coincides with the ethical.

Sculpting in Time (1986)

We know perfectly well that neither love nor peace of mind can be bought with any currency.

Sculpting in Time (1986)

Art symbolises the meaning of our existence.

Sculpting in Time (1986)

"Man is born unto the trouble as the sparks fly upwards." In other words suffering is germane to our existence; indeed, how without it, should we be able to "fly upwards".

Sculpting in Time (1986)

It is obvious that art cannot teach anyone anything, since in four thousand years humanity has learnt nothing at all.

Sculpting in Time (1986)

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Andrei Tarkovsky (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.