1. Rejection of Traditional Representation: Both writing and painting were undergoing significant transformations during Modernism. Stein's quote highlights a move away from traditional, literal representation. Instead of describing objects directly (writing with eyes), Modernist writers focused on sensory experience, emotions, and the subjective perception of reality. Similarly, Modernist painters turned away from realistic depictions and explored abstract forms, color, and composition, often relying on the viewer's emotional response (painting with ears).
2. Emphasis on the Senses and Subjectivity: Stein's quote underscores the growing importance of the senses in artistic expression. The "eyes" and "ears" represent the viewer's and reader's engagement with the art, suggesting that Modernism valued the individual's experience and interpretation over objective reality. This shift is reflected in works like Marcel Proust's "Remembrance of Things Past," which focuses on the power of memory and sensory detail, and Wassily Kandinsky's abstract paintings, which evoke emotions and associations rather than recognizable forms.
3. Experimentation and Innovation: The quote implies a rejection of traditional artistic conventions and an embrace of experimentation. Modernists sought to break free from established rules and explore new ways of expressing their ideas. Stein's own work, like "The Making of Americans," is a testament to this spirit of experimentation, challenging traditional narrative structures and exploring fragmented consciousness.
4. Interdisciplinary Influences: While the quote playfully differentiates between writing and painting, it also suggests a growing interdisciplinary approach to art. Modernists were influenced by various artistic movements and intellectual trends, blurring the lines between different art forms. Stein's writing, for instance, often incorporates aspects of poetry, philosophy, and even music.
5. Challenging the Boundaries of Art: Stein's statement ultimately questions the very nature of artistic creation. By suggesting that writers should use their "eyes" and painters their "ears," she challenges the conventional boundaries between the visual and the auditory. This questioning of traditional categories is central to the Modernist project of challenging established norms and pushing the limits of artistic expression.
In conclusion, Gertrude Stein's quote captures the essence of Modernist artistic expression. It reflects a shift away from traditional representation, an emphasis on the senses and subjectivity, an embrace of experimentation, interdisciplinary influences, and a questioning of the very boundaries of art.