Meaning: The quote "A painting is finished when the subject comes back, when what has caused the painting to be made comes back as an object" by Howard Hodgkin, an English painter and printmaker, encapsulates the complex and often elusive nature of the creative process in visual arts. Hodgkin's words offer insight into the profound relationship between the artist, the subject, and the act of creation itself.

When Hodgkin suggests that a painting is finished when the subject comes back, he is alluding to the idea that the painting reaches completion when the artist successfully captures the essence of the subject. This implies that the artist's interpretation and expression of the subject's essential qualities, emotions, or narrative have been effectively conveyed through the painting. It is as if the subject "comes back" to life within the artwork, evoking a sense of recognition and connection for the artist and the viewer.

Hodgkin's statement also emphasizes the idea that the act of creating a painting is driven by a profound connection to the subject matter. He suggests that the painting is made as a response to something that has deeply resonated with the artist. The artist's emotional, intellectual, or sensory response to the subject serves as the impetus for the act of creation. This notion highlights the deeply personal and subjective nature of artistic expression, as each artist's work is shaped by their unique experiences, perceptions, and relationships with the world around them.

Moreover, Hodgkin's reference to the subject "coming back as an object" underscores the transformative power of the artistic process. The subject, initially existing in the artist's mind or external environment, is transformed into an object through the act of painting. It becomes a tangible, visual representation that embodies the artist's interpretation and vision. This transformation is not merely a reproduction of the subject, but a reinterpretation that imbues the subject with new meaning and significance.

Hodgkin's quote also raises questions about the notion of completion in art. By suggesting that a painting is finished when the subject comes back, he challenges the traditional idea of completion as a fixed endpoint in the artistic process. Instead, Hodgkin's perspective implies that completion is a dynamic and subjective concept, contingent upon the artist's ability to evoke the essence of the subject and their own sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

In conclusion, Howard Hodgkin's quote offers a thought-provoking reflection on the intricate interplay between the artist, the subject, and the act of creation. It underscores the artist's deep connection to the subject matter, the transformative power of artistic expression, and the subjective nature of completion in art. Hodgkin's words invite us to contemplate the profound emotional and intellectual journey that artists embark upon in their pursuit of capturing the essence of their subjects and bringing them to life on the canvas.