Meaning: Jackson Pollock, an influential American painter and a leading figure in the abstract expressionist movement, made the statement, "Today painters do not have to go to a subject matter outside of themselves. Most modern painters work from a different source. They work from within." This quote reflects a significant shift in the approach to art and the creative process. It encapsulates the idea that modern artists, particularly painters, derive their inspiration and subject matter from their internal experiences and emotions rather than external objects or scenes.

During the time when Pollock made this statement, the art world was undergoing a profound transformation. The traditional representational style of painting, which aimed to depict recognizable subjects and scenes from the external world, was being challenged by abstract expressionism. This movement emphasized spontaneous, gestural forms of painting that conveyed the artist's emotions and inner experiences. Pollock himself was a prominent figure in this movement, known for his innovative "drip" painting technique, which involved pouring and splattering paint onto canvases to create intricate, non-representational compositions.

When Pollock mentioned that modern painters work from within, he was articulating the fundamental principle of abstract expressionism. This approach prioritized the artist's inner world and subjective experiences as the primary sources of inspiration. By doing so, artists sought to create works that were deeply personal and reflective of their emotional and psychological states. This marked a departure from the traditional emphasis on external subject matter and signaled a broader cultural shift towards introspection and individual expression.

Furthermore, Pollock's statement can be interpreted as a reflection of the broader cultural and philosophical currents of his time. The mid-20th century was characterized by existentialist thought, which emphasized the individual's subjective experience and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world. Artists, including Pollock, were influenced by these existentialist ideas and sought to infuse their work with a sense of existential authenticity and personal truth.

In practical terms, the shift towards working from within had a profound impact on the artistic process. Artists began to explore new ways of creating and interpreting art, often experimenting with unconventional materials, techniques, and forms of expression. The emphasis on internal sources of inspiration also led to a greater emphasis on the artist's own lived experiences, emotions, and psychological states as the driving force behind their creative output.

Pollock's quote continues to resonate in contemporary art and continues to influence artists who seek to convey their inner worlds and subjective experiences in their work. The idea that artists can draw inspiration from their internal landscapes has expanded the possibilities of artistic expression and encouraged a more diverse, introspective, and emotionally resonant approach to creating art.

In conclusion, Jackson Pollock's statement, "Today painters do not have to go to a subject matter outside of themselves. Most modern painters work from a different source. They work from within," encapsulates a pivotal moment in the history of art, reflecting the shift towards abstract expressionism and the prioritization of the artist's internal experiences as a primary source of inspiration. This quote serves as a testament to the enduring influence of abstract expressionism and the ongoing exploration of the artist's inner world in contemporary art.