Meaning: The quote by Robert Motherwell encapsulates a fundamental shift in the approach to art that took place during the emergence of modern art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The traditional European painting tradition, which Motherwell refers to as "painting the mask," often focused on portraying external appearances and surfaces, such as landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. This approach emphasized the representation of the visible world, often adhering to established conventions and techniques.

In contrast, modern art, as Motherwell points out, rejected this emphasis on the superficial and the external. Instead, modern artists sought to delve beneath the surface, to capture and express the inner essence, emotions, and experiences of their subjects. This shift in focus from the mask to the person behind the mask marked a profound departure from centuries of artistic tradition and laid the groundwork for new and innovative approaches to visual expression.

The rejection of traditional representational art and the embrace of subjective and emotional content in modern art can be traced back to the revolutionary movements that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Artists such as the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Fauvists, Cubists, and Surrealists, among others, challenged the established norms of artistic representation and sought to explore new ways of seeing, perceiving, and depicting the world.

One of the key developments in modern art was the liberation of color and form from their literal and descriptive functions. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian, for example, explored the potential of abstract forms and non-representational compositions to convey inner emotions and spiritual truths. This departure from the traditional emphasis on faithful representation of the visible world allowed artists to tap into a realm of pure expression, where the inner reality of the subject could be revealed without the constraints of naturalistic depiction.

Furthermore, the exploration of the subconscious mind and the inner workings of the psyche became central to the artistic endeavors of many modern artists. The Surrealists, led by figures such as Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, sought to unlock the mysteries of the unconscious through dreamlike imagery and irrational juxtapositions. By delving into the realm of the subconscious, these artists aimed to reveal the hidden truths and desires that lay beneath the surface of everyday reality.

In addition to the emphasis on inner experience, modern art also ushered in a spirit of experimentation and innovation in terms of materials, techniques, and modes of expression. Artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning embraced the spontaneity and immediacy of gestural abstraction, using unconventional tools and methods to create works that embodied raw emotion and energy. This departure from traditional brushwork and composition opened up new possibilities for conveying the inner world of the artist and the human experience.

The quote by Robert Motherwell thus encapsulates the profound transformation that took place in the realm of visual art during the advent of modernism. It highlights the shift from the external to the internal, from the surface to the depths of human experience. Through this rejection of the mask and the embrace of the person behind it, modern art opened up new avenues for creative expression, paving the way for a rich and diverse artistic landscape that continues to evolve to this day.

In conclusion, the quote by Robert Motherwell encapsulates the essence of the transformative shift that occurred in the world of art during the emergence of modernism. By rejecting the traditional emphasis on painting the mask and instead focusing on the person behind the mask, modern artists sought to delve into the inner realms of human experience, emotion, and perception. This shift gave rise to new modes of expression, experimentation, and subjective interpretation, laying the foundation for a rich and diverse artistic tradition that continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.