George Edward Moore
The Quote in Other Words
An exceptional artist is either ahead of their time or lagging behind it.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote suggests that a great artist is either ahead of their time or behind it, but never quite in sync with the present. It implies that true artistic genius is not necessarily recognized or appreciated in the moment, but rather is ahead of its time and may only be fully appreciated by future generations. Alternatively, the quote could suggest that some artists are so deeply rooted in tradition that they are behind their time, creating work that is out of step with contemporary trends. Ultimately, this quote challenges us to consider the relationship between art and time, and to question what it means to be a truly great artist.