Edvard Munch

The Scream

Modern influential 138 sayings

Sayings by Edvard Munch

My art is rooted in a single reflection: why am I not as others are? Why was there a curse on my cradle? Why did I come into the world without a choice?

Early 20th century — From a collection of his writings, 'The Tree of Knowledge'.
Controversial Unverifiable

My art is truly a confession. A voluntary unveiling of my soul.

Early 20th century — From his writings, emphasizing the personal and confessional nature of his work.
Controversial Unverifiable

The Scream' is not a landscape with figures, but a state of mind.

Unknown — Attributed, explaining the emotional rather than literal representation in his most famous work.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have sought to express my inner self in my art.

Unknown — Attributed, a general statement about his artistic aims.
Controversial Unverifiable

Art is a way to stop time.

Unknown — Attributed, a poetic reflection on the power of art.
Controversial Unverifiable

The viewer should feel the pain, the joy, the love, the hate, the fear, the horror.

Unknown — Attributed, describing the intense emotional impact he sought in his art.
Controversial Unverifiable

I painted the same picture over and over again, the same feelings.

Unknown — Attributed, referring to his practice of revisiting themes and motifs.
Controversial Unverifiable

My art gives meaning to my life.

Unknown — Attributed, a personal statement about the importance of art to him.
Controversial Unverifiable

The colors scream.

Unknown — Attributed, a powerful and concise description of his use of color.
Controversial Unverifiable

Death is the end of everything, but it is also the beginning of something new.

Unknown — Attributed, a philosophical take on death, often present in his work.
Controversial Unverifiable

Art comes from the inner life of man.

Unknown — Attributed, emphasizing the internal source of creativity.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not interested in painting pretty pictures.

Unknown — Attributed, highlighting his rejection of conventional beauty in favor of emotional depth.
Controversial Unverifiable

Man is nothing but a beast, a highly developed animal.

Early 20th century — From his writings, a cynical view of humanity.
Controversial Unverifiable

The camera can't lie, but it can be an accomplice to a lie.

Unknown — Attributed, a critical view on the objectivity of photography.
Controversial Unverifiable

The most terrible thing is to feel alone in a crowd.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting themes of isolation in his art.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have been so often misunderstood, and my art has been called sick, morbid, and ugly.

Early 20th century — From his writings, acknowledging the negative reception of his work.
Controversial Unverifiable

What is art? It is the cry of humanity.

Unknown — Attributed, a powerful and expressive definition of art.
Controversial Unverifiable

Man's life is a journey between two graves.

Unknown — Attributed, a bleak and fatalistic view of human existence.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest enemy of art is the good.

Unknown — Attributed, suggesting a rejection of conventional 'good' taste in favor of something more profound …
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe in the art that heals.

Unknown — Attributed, a statement of hope despite his often dark themes.
Controversial Unverifiable