Meaning: The quote "I refuse to confide and don't like it when people write about art" by Balthus, the renowned Polish-French artist, encapsulates the enigmatic nature of his persona and his approach to artistic expression. Balthus, whose real name was Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, was known for his controversial and provocative artwork, as well as his disdain for explaining or justifying his creations. This quote reflects his resistance to divulge the deeper meanings or intentions behind his art and his aversion to external interpretations or critiques of his work.

Balthus was born in Paris in 1908 and spent his formative years in an environment steeped in artistic and intellectual influences. His father, Erich Klossowski, was a noted art historian and painter, while his mother, Baladine Klossowska, was a talented musician. These early experiences likely shaped Balthus's perspective on art and may have contributed to his belief in the autonomy and intrinsic value of artistic creation.

Throughout his career, Balthus gained notoriety for his paintings, which often depicted young, pubescent girls in enigmatic and sometimes unsettling settings. His work was characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, distinctive use of light and shadow, and a sense of psychological tension that permeated his compositions. Balthus's refusal to explain or contextualize his art further fueled the intrigue and controversy surrounding his work.

In the quote, Balthus's rejection of confiding suggests a desire to maintain the enigma and mystery surrounding his art. He was known for guarding his privacy and resisting attempts by critics and scholars to extract explicit meanings from his paintings. This stance aligns with the notion of art as a deeply personal and subjective form of expression, one that may not necessarily lend itself to verbal explication or analysis.

Furthermore, Balthus's aversion to people writing about art speaks to his skepticism toward external interpretations of his work. He seemed to reject the idea that art could be fully captured or encapsulated in words, believing instead that it should be experienced and interpreted on an individual, intuitive level. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism of the role of art criticism and academic discourse in shaping the reception of artistic creations.

While Balthus's stance on confiding and art criticism may be seen as obstinate or even elitist by some, it also underscores the complexity and multifaceted nature of artistic expression. His resistance to verbal elucidation and external commentary may be viewed as a radical assertion of the autonomy and self-sufficiency of art, challenging the notion that art must be explained or justified through language.

In conclusion, Balthus's quote encapsulates his enigmatic and defiant approach to art, reflecting his resistance to confide in the meanings behind his work and his aversion to external interpretations and critiques. This stance reflects his belief in the autonomy and intrinsic value of artistic creation, as well as a skepticism toward the role of verbal explication and criticism in shaping the reception of art. Balthus's legacy continues to provoke and intrigue, leaving his work open to individual interpretation and contemplation.