Meaning: Sol LeWitt, a prominent American artist and a key figure in the development of Conceptual art, once stated, "When artists make art, they shouldn't question whether it is permissible to do one thing or another." This quote encapsulates LeWitt's belief in the freedom and autonomy of the artist in the creative process. It emphasizes the idea that artists should not be constrained by external concerns or rules when creating their art. Instead, they should be guided by their own vision and intuition, allowing their creativity to flow without self-imposed limitations.

LeWitt's statement reflects his commitment to the principles of artistic autonomy and creative exploration. Throughout his career, he was known for his groundbreaking work in conceptual and minimal art, which often challenged traditional notions of artistic practice and expression. His emphasis on the importance of individual artistic freedom aligns with the broader ethos of the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, which sought to push the boundaries of art and redefine its possibilities.

In the context of LeWitt's own artistic practice, this quote speaks to his approach to art-making, which was characterized by a rigorous exploration of ideas and concepts. He was known for his use of systematic and procedural methods in creating his artworks, often providing detailed instructions for their execution rather than physically creating the pieces himself. This approach reflects his belief in the primacy of the idea behind the artwork, as well as his willingness to delegate the physical realization of the work to others, thereby reinforcing the idea that the creative process should not be bound by conventional limitations.

Furthermore, LeWitt's quote can be interpreted as a rejection of the notion of artistic censorship or self-censorship. By encouraging artists not to question the permissibility of their creative choices, he advocates for a mindset of uninhibited exploration and expression. This aligns with the broader cultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, during which artists sought to challenge societal norms and conventions, including those related to artistic expression.

From a philosophical perspective, LeWitt's quote can be viewed as an affirmation of the existential freedom of the artist. By rejecting the need for permission or validation in the creative process, he asserts the artist's capacity to assert their own agency and creative authority. This echoes the existentialist ideas of philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, who emphasized the importance of individual freedom and responsibility in shaping one's own existence.

In summary, Sol LeWitt's quote "When artists make art, they shouldn't question whether it is permissible to do one thing or another" encapsulates his belief in the autonomy and freedom of the artist in the creative process. It reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and challenging traditional constraints, as well as his embrace of conceptual and procedural approaches to art-making. Moreover, the quote can be seen as a broader affirmation of artistic freedom and existential agency, resonating with the broader cultural and philosophical movements of the 20th century.