Television painting icon Bob Ross famously said, “It’s the imperfections that make something beautiful.” In “Ugly Pretty,” leading artists, art professionals, and creatives delve into the idea of imperfect beauty by analyzing a single artwork. Through their perspectives, we uncover how these unique works reshape the way we view the world. Listen as they describe the artwork in their own words.

All truly creative, artistic works must be imperfect. If something is perfect, it’s like a closed box—you cannot enter it. What matters isn’t the piece of art itself but what we do with it.

If we imagine something perfect—whether it’s art or anything else—it’s measurable. You can quantify it; it’s exact. But that kind of perfection is dry and uninteresting. And it’s not very interesting to take the quantity, to take measurement of something creative. It’s dry. If you take something imperfect, it’s soft. You cannot take measurements. When you cannot take measurements, you can live with, you can build with, you can own it. Imperfection isn’t a choice—it’s the only way to create.

French designer Philippe Starck poses by models of “Miss Dior” Medallion chairs he designed for Dior are displayed as part of the “Dior by Starck” exhibition on June 6, 2022 on the eve of the opening of the Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan. Photo: Miguel MEDINA / AFP via Getty Images.

With all the energy, creativity, and honesty I have, I always try to make something as perfect as possible. But it’s never truly possible.Why? Because when I look back at what I’ve done in the past—especially my own work—I only see my weaknesses: my greed, my stupidity, my laziness. I see all the mistakes, and I regret them. That regret drives me to keep creating, hoping that one day I’ll make something that feels closer to perfection.

Perhaps, one day, I’ll be happy with it. But today, I am still far from achieving anything close to perfect.

As told to Margaret Carrigan at Art For Tomorrow in Venice (June 5–7, 2024), where Artnet was an official content partner. Audio production provided by executive producer Sonia Manalili.

Philippe Starck, a visionary creator, is known for his innovative, ethical, and subversive approach to design. With over 10,000 creations spanning furniture, mega-yachts, hotels, and ecological homes, he aims to make life better for the many. Starck’s work embodies humor, rebellion, and purpose, emphasizing “good” over mere beauty.