Meaning: This quote by Larry Rivers, a prominent American artist, encapsulates the essence of art as a form of communication that is deeply intertwined with the perceptions and receptivity of the audience. Rivers, known for his contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement, offers a profound insight into the dynamic and subjective nature of art. Through his words, he highlights the interactive relationship between the creator and the viewer, emphasizing the role of individual emotions, experiences, and perspectives in shaping the interpretation of artistic expressions.

Art, in its myriad forms, serves as a means of conveying emotions, ideas, and narratives. Whether it be visual arts, literature, music, or performance, each artistic creation has the potential to evoke a range of responses from its audience. Rivers' quote underscores the idea that the impact and resonance of art are not solely determined by the intentions of the artist, but also by the emotional and mental disposition of the recipient. This notion challenges the traditional view of art as a unidirectional mode of expression, instead emphasizing the reciprocal nature of artistic communication.

The phrase "what you're in the mood to receive" implies that the audience's state of mind and emotional receptivity play a crucial role in shaping their interpretation of art. It suggests that the same piece of art may elicit varied responses from different individuals based on their prevailing moods, thoughts, and inner dispositions at the time of encountering the artwork. This dynamic aspect of artistic reception underscores the subjectivity inherent in the experience of art, as it is deeply intertwined with the unique perspectives and sensibilities of each observer.

Furthermore, Rivers' inclusion of the term "communicates" in the quote emphasizes the active and interactive nature of the artistic encounter. Art is not merely a passive entity awaiting reception; rather, it actively engages with the audience, sparking conversations, eliciting emotions, and prompting contemplation. The act of receiving art, therefore, entails an exchange of emotions, ideas, and energies between the creator and the audience, with the latter playing an active role in the interpretation and internalization of the artistic message.

Rivers, himself a musician in addition to being a visual artist, may have drawn from his own experiences in the creative process to formulate this quote. As a musician, he would have been acutely aware of the ways in which musical compositions can evoke diverse emotions and resonate differently with listeners based on their individual moods and inclinations. This firsthand understanding of the fluid and subjective nature of artistic reception likely influenced Rivers' perspective on the broader nature of artistic communication across various mediums.

In conclusion, Larry Rivers' quote encapsulates the dynamic, interactive, and subjective nature of artistic communication. It underscores the idea that art is not merely a static entity with a fixed meaning, but rather a fluid and multifaceted form of expression that is deeply intertwined with the emotions, perceptions, and receptivity of the audience. By acknowledging the role of the viewer's mood in shaping their reception of art, Rivers highlights the intricate and reciprocal relationship between the creator and the recipient, emphasizing the nuanced and individualized nature of the artistic experience.