The Decline of Art Criticism: Are We All Critics Now?

The decline of art criticism in contemporary society raises questions about the role and relevance of professional critics in the age of mass media and digital communication. As traditional platforms for art criticism dwindle and the demand for critical analysis grows, the landscape of art evaluation is undergoing a significant transformation. This article delves into the evolution of art criticism, the challenges faced by contemporary critics, and the shifting dynamics of art criticism in the modern era, exploring key historical and cultural contexts along the way.

Key Takeaways

• The decline of professional critics poses a threat to in-depth and well-informed art analysis.
• Mass media has reshaped the landscape of art criticism, influencing how art is evaluated and discussed in the public sphere.
• Defensive clichés in art criticism can hinder the exploration of new perspectives and possibilities in art evaluation.
• Art criticism has evolved alongside Western aesthetic theory, with divergent trends emerging in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• The need for critical analysis in a mass society highlights the importance of informed and nuanced art criticism.

The Evolution of Art Criticism

Foundations of art criticism in antiquity and the Middle Ages

The foundations of art criticism in antiquity and the Middle Ages laid the groundwork for what would become a rich tradition of theoretical discourse surrounding the arts. Philosophers like Plato engaged in early forms of criticism, contemplating the purpose and value of art in society. This period saw the emergence of art as a subject worthy of intellectual debate, with critics beginning to articulate theories that would influence subsequent generations.

During this era, art criticism was not formalized as a discipline but was more an extension of philosophy and aesthetics. The criteria for evaluating art were often intertwined with broader cultural and moral considerations, reflecting the prevailing ideologies of the time.

• Philosophical foundations
• Moral and cultural considerations
• Informal evaluative criteria

The interplay between art and society during antiquity and the Middle Ages set the stage for the evolution of art criticism into a more structured discipline.

As art continued to evolve, so too did the language and approach of its critics, setting the stage for the more systematic theories that would emerge in the Renaissance and beyond.

Renaissance art criticism

The Renaissance period marked a significant transformation in art criticism, reflecting the era's broader cultural and intellectual awakening. Critics began to focus on the individual artist's contribution and the technical mastery of their work. This shift was emblematic of the humanist emphasis on the importance of human agency and the potential for individual excellence.

During this time, Giorgio Vasari emerged as a pivotal figure with his biographical compendium, Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects. Vasari's work not only chronicled the lives of artists but also established a historical framework for evaluating art, emphasizing the progression of artistic skill and innovation over time.

The Renaissance brought forth a nuanced appreciation of art, where the aesthetic experience was intertwined with an understanding of the artist's technical prowess and historical context.

The table below outlines key Renaissance art critics and their contributions:

Critic	Notable Work	Contribution
Giorgio Vasari	Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects	Biographical approach, historical progression
Leon Battista Alberti	On Painting	Theoretical foundation, perspective
Lorenzo Ghiberti	Commentaries	Artist's perspective, technical aspects

The Renaissance era's critical discourse laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in art criticism, setting a precedent for the analytical and historical evaluation of art.

Art criticism in the 17th century: Programmatic theory

Following the Renaissance, the 17th century witnessed a significant transformation in art criticism, evolving into what is known as programmatic theory. This period marked a departure from mere descriptions of artworks to a more structured analysis that sought to interpret and evaluate art based on certain principles and rules.

• The rise of academies and salons during this era provided a platform for critics to discuss and disseminate their ideas.
• Critics began to focus on the intentions behind artworks, considering the artist's message and the work's adherence to classical standards.
• The concept of 'taste' emerged as a critical factor in evaluating art, leading to debates on subjective versus objective appreciation.

In the 17th century, art criticism became an endeavor to not only appreciate but also to categorize and prescribe. It was an age where the critic's voice started to gain authority, shaping public opinion and artistic trends.

This period also saw the introduction of new genres and the reevaluation of traditional ones, as critics played a pivotal role in defining the standards of artistic excellence. The programmatic approach laid the groundwork for future developments in art criticism, emphasizing the importance of theoretical underpinnings in the critical process.

Art criticism in the 18th century: Enlightenment theory

The 18th century marked a pivotal shift in art criticism, aligning with the broader intellectual movement of the Enlightenment. Critics began to challenge the established norms, advocating for a more rational and instructive approach to art. This period saw a departure from the ornate and decorative Rococo style, which was increasingly viewed as lacking moral substance.

During the Enlightenment, art criticism was not merely about aesthetic appreciation but also about the ethical and educational roles of art. Critics emphasized the importance of art's capacity to improve society by promoting virtues and condemning vices. The table below outlines key Enlightenment thinkers and their contributions to art criticism:

Thinker	Contribution
Denis Diderot	Advocated for art that instructs and improves morals
Johann Joachim Winckelmann	Promoted the study of classical antiquity for artistic inspiration
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing	Emphasized the didactic function of art

The Enlightenment's legacy in art criticism is profound, shaping the discourse around art's societal impact and the role of the critic.

Art schools began to emerge, empowering artists through creativity, innovation, and diverse perspectives. These institutions adapted to digital trends, fostered collaboration, and redefined boundaries in the evolving art landscape. The Enlightenment's critical spirit, as Matthew Arnold referred to it, encouraged a relentless examination of all institutions and beliefs, expanding aesthetic categories beyond the beautiful and the sublime.

Art criticism in the 19th century

The 19th century marked a significant shift in the realm of art criticism, as the growth of power and influence of critics began to shape the public's perception of art. Critics like John Ruskin emerged as prominent figures, wielding their prose to sway both societal views and the trajectory of art history. Ruskin, an English critic known for his work on art, architecture, and society, was not only a gifted painter but also a distinctive prose stylist, setting a benchmark for art criticism.

During this era, the avant-garde problem posed new challenges for critics. The avant-garde's unconventional approaches to art making—often eschewing traditional aesthetics—required critics to adapt and develop new theoretical models. This period saw a fusion of traditional techniques with digital innovation, as the impact of digital platforms on artistic expression began to emerge, raising questions about the challenges of authenticity in digital art.

The role of the critic evolved to not only interpret and evaluate art but also to influence the canon of art history, often naming modern movements and providing a 'basic understanding' of avant-garde artists.

As art criticism continued to develop, it became clear that the discipline was not static but rather a reflection of the changing artistic landscape and societal values.

Challenges in Contemporary Criticism

The decline of professional critics

The landscape of art criticism is undergoing a seismic shift. The decline of professional critics is inextricably linked to the broader crisis in journalism. As traditional publications struggle to stay afloat amidst a decline in advertising revenue, the ripple effects are felt keenly within the realm of art criticism. The once revered position of the professional critic is being eroded as media outlets reduce or eliminate their arts coverage, leading to a significant loss of informed, nuanced critique.

The professional critic's voice is becoming a rare commodity in the cacophony of the digital age. The expertise and depth that characterized traditional criticism are increasingly overshadowed by a plethora of instant, user-generated reviews.

The implications of this trend are profound:

• The gatekeeping role of critics is diminishing, leaving the public to navigate a deluge of art without the guidance of experienced voices.
• There is a growing reliance on algorithms and social media 'likes' to gauge the value of art, rather than on informed critical discourse.
• The democratization of criticism through online platforms has led to a surge in amateur critique, often lacking the rigor and context provided by professionals.

Pop Art challenged traditional artistic norms, sparking a dialogue on art's value in a capitalist society. It is within this context that the role of the critic must be reevaluated, as the lines between high art and mass-produced imagery blur, and the need for critical insight becomes ever more pressing.

Impact of mass media on criticism

The advent of mass media has fundamentally altered the landscape of art criticism. Critics now navigate a terrain where immediacy and accessibility often trump depth and nuance. The proliferation of digital platforms has democratized the act of criticism, allowing anyone with an internet connection to voice their opinions. This shift has led to a surge in the quantity of criticism but has raised questions about the quality and expertise behind these judgments.

• The critic-as-popularizer emerges, mediating between art and the public.
• The demand for criticism diminishes as the need for it intensifies.
• Critics are tasked with making sense of content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

The role of the critic is evolving from gatekeeper of cultural standards to a guide through an ever-expanding digital landscape.

The balance between inspiration and appropriation in art remains a crucial consideration in this new era. Cultural exchange necessitates a sensitivity to origins and meanings for respectful representation. Moreover, the rise of online feminist art highlights the transformative potential of technology in expanding audiences and empowering marginalized voices, while also confronting the challenges of commodification and message dilution.

Defensive clichés in art criticism

The landscape of art criticism is marred by the prevalence of defensive clichés, which serve as a bulwark against the unfamiliar and the avant-garde. These clichés manifest as settled expectations and unquestioned presuppositions about what constitutes 'quality' art, stifling the critic's mission to explore new possibilities.

The greatest threat to art criticism is not the lack of understanding, but rather the reluctance to abandon the comfort of the familiar in favor of the uncertain adventure that new art presents.

Critics often face a dichotomy: to uphold traditional standards or to champion the disruptive forces of new art forms. This tension is evident in the polarized roles of avant-garde advocates and reactionary defenders. The former pushes the boundaries of art, while the latter clings to the established order, often dismissing negative criticism as irrelevant.

Here is a list of topics that reflect the defensive posture in contemporary art criticism:

• Sensational Non-Representational Art
• Why People Hate Contemporary/Conceptual Art
• In Defense of Cindy Sherman
• The Cruciforms of Zdzisław Beksiński
• What is the Purpose of Visual Art?
• Eerie Alfred Kubin: Forgotten Pioneer of Symbolism, Expressionism, and Surrealism
• The Greater Lesson of Jane Eliot's Sadistic "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes Experiment" on School Children
• Milo Moirés Fondling Boxes
• “Good artists copy, great artists steal." Not so fast.

Art Criticism in the Modern Era

Critical response to early avant-garde art

The early avant-garde art movement presented a radical shift in both form and content, challenging the established norms of the time. Critics were often polarized, with some embracing the innovative spirit, while others clung to traditional values. The avant-garde's departure from conventional aesthetics demanded a new critical language.

• Roger Fry's influential work, Vision and Design, emphasized the importance of 'plasticity' in art.
• The avant-garde's use of new pictorial conventions sometimes led to a disconnect with viewers, as they struggled to recognize content.

The avant-garde movement necessitated a reevaluation of the role of art criticism itself, as the traditional criteria for judging art were rendered obsolete.

The critical response to avant-garde art was not just about the art itself, but also about the evolving role of the critic in society. As the avant-garde pushed boundaries, it forced critics to question their own assumptions and the very standards by which art was judged.

The new conceptual orientation

The landscape of art criticism underwent a seismic shift with the advent of conceptual art in the mid-20th century. This movement challenged the traditional focus on aesthetic value and material craftsmanship, instead emphasizing the idea behind the work of art as its most critical component. Artists began to explore the boundaries between art and life, often incorporating everyday objects and unconventional materials into their work.

The new conceptual orientation brought with it a reevaluation of the role of the critic. Critics were no longer just evaluators of visual quality but interpreters of complex ideas and societal reflections embedded in the art. This shift paralleled the broader cultural changes of the era, where art became a medium for intellectual discourse and a mirror for social difference.

The critic's task became one of navigating the intricate web of meaning, often confronting works that were as much about the process of their creation as their final form. The challenge was to articulate the significance of art that could be ephemeral, performative, or even purely theoretical.

The following points highlight the impact of the new conceptual orientation on art criticism:

• Emphasis on the idea rather than the object
• Art as a vehicle for intellectual and political discourse
• The critic's role as an interpreter of meaning
• The emergence of new art forms that defy traditional categorization

Avant-garde art comes to America

The arrival of avant-garde art in America marked a pivotal moment in the cultural landscape, as the nation grappled with its own burgeoning identity in the arts. The transatlantic journey of European avant-garde movements not only introduced new aesthetics but also ignited debates that would shape the trajectory of American art criticism.

In mid-century Manhattan, a tight-knit cadre of artists and critics engaged in what could be described as a 'war of ideas.' This period was characterized by intense personal, aesthetic, and political commitments, which, in turn, fostered a collective evolution of artistic forms. The impact of these exchanges is evident in the way art criticism adapted to accommodate the new, often controversial, perspectives.

The shift towards a more inclusive and diverse art criticism paralleled the broader societal changes of the time, reflecting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of American culture.

The following list highlights key influences of avant-garde art on American criticism:

• Introduction of European art movements and their ideologies
• Emergence of Pop Art and its subsequent debates
• Evolution of photography as a recognized art form
• Exploration of art repatriation and cohesive gallery curation

As avant-garde art settled into the American context, it encountered both resistance and celebration. Critics were compelled to reassess their roles, leading to a redefinition of art criticism that continues to resonate today.

Clement Greenberg

Following the avant-garde's arrival in America, Clement Greenberg emerged as a pivotal figure in art criticism, championing a formalist approach that would profoundly influence the trajectory of modern art. Greenberg's emphasis on the formal aspects of art—such as color, line, and composition—sought to evaluate works based on their own merits, rather than extrinsic factors.

Greenberg's critique often centered on the notion of 'purity' in art, advocating for a focus on medium-specificity. This meant that painting, for instance, should explore what is unique to itself as a medium, eschewing elements better suited to other forms of art. His ideas were instrumental in the rise of Abstract Expressionism and set the stage for subsequent movements like Color Field painting.

• Key tenets of Greenberg's formalism:
  • Emphasis on medium-specificity
  • Advocacy for 'purity' in art
  • Focus on formal elements over content

The exploration of art's intrinsic qualities became a hallmark of Greenberg's criticism, shaping the discourse around what constituted 'high art' during his time.

“Other Criteria”: Rosenberg and Alloway

The legacy of formalism in art criticism is a testament to the enduring influence of the movement's key figures, such as Clement Greenberg. Greenberg's emphasis on the formal aspects of art—color, line, shape, and composition—shifted the focus of criticism from content to form. This approach championed the idea that the value of an artwork lies in its visual and aesthetic qualities rather than in any narrative or symbolism it might carry.

Following Greenberg, critics like Harold Rosenberg and Lawrence Alloway introduced new perspectives that challenged the formalist doctrine. Rosenberg's concept of 'Action Painting' highlighted the artist's process as an integral part of the artwork's meaning, while Alloway's attention to consumer culture and mass media expanded the scope of art criticism beyond traditional boundaries.

• Greenberg's focus on formal qualities
• Rosenberg's 'Action Painting'
• Alloway's embrace of mass media

The debate between these critics underscored a broader question about the role of art in society. Should art be an autonomous entity, or is it inherently linked to the cultural and social context from which it emerges? This question remains central to contemporary discussions about the purpose and function of art.

Formalism’s legacy

The legacy of formalism in art criticism has been both profound and contentious. It has shaped the way we perceive and value art, often prioritizing aesthetic form over content and context. This emphasis on formal qualities has led to a critical framework that, while rigorous in its analysis of visual elements, can be seen as limiting when it comes to engaging with the broader socio-political dimensions of art.

The influence of formalism is evident in the way contemporary art is often discussed and evaluated. The echoes of movements such as Baroque, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Impressionism are still heard in today's art scene, with their focus on emotion, simplicity, nature, and perception continuing to inspire artists and critics alike.

The critical landscape today is one where the boundaries between high and low art are increasingly blurred, and where the role of the critic is both more democratic and more diffuse.

The debate on modern architecture—a field deeply intertwined with art—reflects a similar tension between innovation and tradition. Issues such as sustainable design, community engagement, and the role of architects in shaping urban narratives are at the forefront of contemporary discourse, challenging critics to consider a wider array of factors in their assessments.

The irony of the avant-garde

The avant-garde has always been a double-edged sword in the realm of art criticism. On one hand, it represents the pinnacle of innovation and the breaking of new ground. On the other, it often leads to a paradox where the once-revolutionary becomes the new norm, and in turn, is subject to the same critique it once defied. The avant-garde artist swiftly shapes the audience and the market, as Daniel Bell observed, creating a cycle where today's avant-garde is tomorrow's tradition.

The irony lies in the avant-garde's relationship with kitsch. Kitsch, often seen as the antithesis of high art, shares a curious kinship with the avant-garde through its use of irony and subversion. Both challenge the status quo, yet their reception can be wildly different. The avant-garde's initial shock value may fade, but its impact on art criticism and cultural values remains significant.

The avant-garde's role is not just to disrupt, but to redefine the boundaries of what is considered art.

Critics are tasked with navigating this ever-shifting landscape, where the new and unfamiliar demand evaluation. The choice to defend old standards or embrace the new is a constant struggle, reflecting the cultural contradictions inherent in the art world.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the decline of art criticism raises important questions about the role of critics in today's society. As traditional journalism struggles and cultural critics face job cuts, the landscape of art criticism is shifting. The need for thoughtful, well-researched criticism remains crucial in a world where mass communication and populist thinking threaten the diversity of opinions. It is imperative for us to recognize the value of art criticism in shaping our understanding of culture and creativity. Moving forward, we must strive to support and uphold the practice of art criticism to ensure a vibrant and diverse cultural discourse for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is art criticism declining?

The decline of professional critics, impact of mass media, and defensive clichés in art criticism are contributing factors to the decline of art criticism.

What challenges does contemporary criticism face?

Contemporary criticism faces challenges such as the decline of professional critics, the influence of mass media on criticism, and the presence of defensive clichés in art criticism.

What is the evolution of art criticism?

Art criticism has evolved from its foundations in antiquity and the Middle Ages to Renaissance, 17th century programmatic theory, 18th century Enlightenment theory, and 19th century developments.

How has the modern era influenced art criticism?

The modern era has influenced art criticism through critical responses to avant-garde art, new conceptual orientations, the impact of avant-garde art in America, influential figures like Clement Greenberg, and the legacy of formalism.

What is the impact of mass media on art criticism?

Mass media has impacted art criticism by changing the landscape of how art is reviewed and critiqued, leading to shifts in the role and relevance of professional critics.

What are defensive clichés in art criticism?

Defensive clichés in art criticism refer to settled expectations and unquestioned presuppositions about art that can hinder the exploration of new possibilities and approaches in art criticism.