Meaning: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a renowned German expressionist artist, made this profound statement about the nature of painting. In this quote, Kirchner emphasizes the subjective nature of art, particularly painting, and the artist's ability to create new interpretations and representations of the world around them.

Kirchner's statement challenges the notion of objective correctness in art, suggesting that a painter's role is not to reproduce the world as it objectively exists, but rather to capture and convey their own interpretation of the appearance of things. This concept aligns with the principles of expressionism, a movement to which Kirchner belonged, which prioritized the artist's emotional and subjective response to the subject matter.

The quote also highlights the transformative power of art. By stating that a painter "creates new appearances of things," Kirchner emphasizes the artist's ability to reimagine and reinterpret reality. This idea underscores the creative freedom and imaginative license that artists possess, allowing them to present the world in unique and unconventional ways through their work.

Moreover, Kirchner's perspective on the role of the artist as a creator of new appearances of things speaks to the idea that art is not merely a reflection of reality, but a means of reshaping and reimagining it. This aligns with the broader understanding of art as a form of expression and communication, through which artists convey their perspectives, emotions, and ideas to the viewer.

In the context of Kirchner's own artistic practice, this quote sheds light on his approach to painting. Kirchner was known for his bold and vibrant depictions of urban life, often characterized by distorted perspectives and intense colors. His work exemplifies the idea that a painter captures the appearance of things through a subjective lens, infusing the representation with their own vision and emotional response.

Furthermore, Kirchner's statement invites contemplation on the relationship between art and reality. While the appearance of things in art may diverge from their objective correctness, the new appearances created by the artist offer a fresh and personal interpretation of the world. This notion challenges viewers to engage with art not as a mirror of reality, but as a dynamic and multifaceted reflection of the artist's vision.

In conclusion, Ernst Kirchner's quote encapsulates the subjective and transformative nature of painting, emphasizing the artist's role as a creator of new appearances of things. Through his words, Kirchner invites us to consider art as a medium through which the artist communicates their unique perspective, reimagining and reshaping the world in the process. This quote serves as a reminder of the creative freedom and expressive power inherent in the act of painting, and the enduring relevance of art as a conduit for individual interpretation and emotional resonance.