The more horrible this world (as today, for instance), the more abstract our art, whereas a happy world brings forth an art of the here and now.

The more horrifying this world becomes (as it is these days) the more art becomes abstract; while a world at peace produces realistic art. || The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract; while a world at peace produces realistic art. (this variant was quoted in the speech "Between Two Ages: The Meaning Of Our Times" by Wm. Van Dusen Wishard)