An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture

An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture

Jean Cocteau was a French artist, writer, and filmmaker known for his avant-garde style and innovative approach to art. He was a true Renaissance man, dabbling in various forms of artistic expression, including poetry, painting, theater, and cinema. Cocteau's work was often characterized by its dreamlike quality, surreal imagery, and exploration of the subconscious mind.

The quote "An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture" is particularly apt when applied to Cocteau. Throughout his career, Cocteau was notoriously elusive when it came to discussing his work. He believed that art should speak for itself, and that attempting to explain or analyze it would only serve to diminish its impact.

Cocteau's refusal to discuss his art can be seen as a reflection of his belief in the power of the subconscious mind. He was a firm believer in the idea that art should come from a place of instinct and intuition, rather than from a place of rational thought. By allowing his work to flow freely from his subconscious, Cocteau was able to create art that was truly unique and groundbreaking.