Meaning: Fernand Léger, a prominent French artist and filmmaker, made significant contributions to the development of modern art in the early 20th century. The quote "Enormous enlargements of an object or a fragment give it a personality it never had before, and in this way, it can become a vehicle of entirely new lyric and plastic power" reflects Léger's interest in the transformative power of scale and perspective in art.

In this quote, Léger suggests that by enlarging an object or fragment, it takes on a new and enhanced personality. This transformation occurs through the alteration of scale, which can imbue the subject with a sense of grandeur and significance that it did not possess at its original size. Léger's assertion that this process can endow the object with "entirely new lyric and plastic power" highlights his belief in the potential for enlarged subjects to evoke heightened emotional and aesthetic responses.

Léger's fascination with the impact of scale on artistic expression is evident in his own body of work. In his paintings, he often depicted industrial and mechanical subjects on a monumental scale, emphasizing their powerful and dynamic qualities. By magnifying these objects, Léger sought to convey the energy and impact of modern technology, reflecting the spirit of innovation and progress that characterized the early 20th century.

Furthermore, Léger's interest in the relationship between scale and artistic interpretation aligns with broader discussions within the modernist art movement. Artists and theorists of this period were deeply engaged with redefining the parameters of visual representation, seeking new ways to convey the dynamism and complexity of the modern world. Léger's exploration of scale as a means of transforming the familiar into something extraordinary resonates with the modernist preoccupation with pushing artistic boundaries and challenging traditional modes of perception.

From a theoretical standpoint, Léger's quote can be interpreted as an invitation to reconsider our understanding of the familiar and the everyday. By enlarging an object or fragment, we are compelled to view it from a new perspective, allowing us to appreciate its inherent qualities in a fresh light. This act of magnification prompts us to see beyond the mundane and recognize the potential for beauty and significance in the seemingly ordinary.

Moreover, Léger's emphasis on the "lyric and plastic power" of enlarged subjects underscores his belief in the expressive potential of scale. The term "lyric" suggests an emotional and poetic quality, indicating that the enlarged object can evoke a profound and visceral response. Meanwhile, "plastic power" alludes to the formal and tactile aspects of the subject, emphasizing its materiality and visual impact. Through the combination of these elements, Léger suggests that the process of enlargement can imbue the subject with a multifaceted and compelling presence.

In conclusion, Fernand Léger's quote encapsulates his belief in the transformative potential of scale in art. By enlarging an object or fragment, it acquires a new personality and becomes a conduit for heightened emotional and aesthetic resonance. Léger's exploration of scale aligns with the broader modernist quest to redefine artistic expression and capture the essence of the modern world. Ultimately, his words invite us to reconsider the familiar and discover the extraordinary within the ordinary through the lens of magnification and reinterpretation.