Meaning: The quote "Instead of art I have taught philosophy. Though technique for me is a big word, I never have taught how to paint. All my doing was to make people to see." by Josef Albers, encapsulates the essence of his approach to art and education. Josef Albers was a German-born American artist and educator, best known for his work as a painter, poet, and theorist. He played a significant role in the development of modern art and his teachings had a profound impact on generations of artists.

Albers' statement reflects his belief that art is not just about technical skill or the ability to replicate images, but rather about cultivating a way of seeing and understanding the world around us. His approach to teaching art was deeply rooted in philosophy, emphasizing the importance of perception, color, and form. Albers believed that by teaching philosophy, he was not only imparting knowledge but also shaping the way people perceive and interpret the visual world.

In his role as an educator, Albers emphasized the significance of color theory and the interaction of colors in visual art. He famously developed the series of artworks and accompanying text known as "Interaction of Color," which explored the ways in which colors can be perceived and experienced by the viewer. Through this work, Albers sought to challenge traditional notions of color and form, encouraging his students and audiences to engage with art in a more thoughtful and introspective manner.

Albers' approach to teaching art was unconventional in that he did not focus on teaching specific painting techniques. Instead, he sought to inspire his students to develop their own unique ways of seeing and creating. By fostering an environment of experimentation and exploration, Albers encouraged his students to push the boundaries of traditional artistic practices and to develop their own individual styles.

One of Albers' most significant contributions to the art world was his tenure as head of the Department of Design at the renowned Black Mountain College in North Carolina. During his time at Black Mountain College, Albers had a profound influence on a generation of emerging artists, including Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly, and Kenneth Noland. His teachings emphasized the importance of perception, intuition, and experimentation, laying the groundwork for the development of abstract expressionism and other modern art movements.

Albers' emphasis on the philosophical and perceptual aspects of art continues to resonate with artists and educators today. His legacy as a teacher and theorist has had a lasting impact on the way art is taught and understood. By challenging conventional notions of technique and skill, Albers paved the way for a more nuanced and introspective approach to art education, one that values individual expression and the power of perception.

In conclusion, Josef Albers' quote reflects his deep commitment to the philosophical and perceptual aspects of art. His teachings emphasized the importance of perception, color, and form, and sought to inspire his students to develop their own unique ways of seeing and creating. Through his unconventional approach to art education, Albers had a profound impact on the development of modern art and continues to influence artists and educators to this day.