Art Critic or Executioner (Art Critics Discussing Art Criticism)

The art world consists of artists, poets, performers, and musicians freely creating. However, among them, a voice discussing their works causes distress. These, my dear readers, are the critics. Individuals can wield the knife (their pen) that can make or break artists’ careers while persuading the jury (audiences), to know where this individual sits in the creative zone. This conflicting understanding of critics can be seen while reading Critics (1966) by Les Levine. 

John Gruen and Peter Schjeldahl, both express concerns surrounding the use of criticism as an authoritarian position, to build or destroy artists. Specifically, Gruen argues that criticism is a tool to inform yet lacks the accessibility for audiences due to the use of abstract connotations. There is a lack of audience particpation when it comes to their own feelings, in his opinion. There is an overcompensation by critics. On the other hand, Schjeldahl, discusses his distaste for the practice claiming it to be sinister and parochial. That is to say that the career itself is necessary, yet the execution of the job claims more artists careers than helps. In his mind, art critics need to handle their words with care as art is just as important as life itself. 

Comparably their issues point out critics lack of stepping back and not taking over. Gruen points specifically to the issue of language barriers and lack of intrigue in audiences due to this hindrance. In reading his particular interview, his words sing true and speak perfectly. However, in studying art there have been timeless accounts of myself frustratingly reading a passage over and over to strike some meaning or feeling in myself and yet, to no avail. This is until,  a professor aids in putting the critic's words into bite size pieces. Schjeldahl depicts the critic's ego, especially within himself. He uses his work as a time to reflect and educate to allow for his writing to continue. He believes critics have an obligation to push artists in their best light (reminiscing about our first lecture). No critic should be above the artist nor should they be the sole informer to works of art. 

Overall, each of these Critics from their own experiences depict critics to be the excutioner yet it does not have to be this way. They can be amazing assets that not only educate but accelerate young artists careers. 

Peter Schjeldahl (Left) and John Gruen (Right). Images from Critic (1966) by Les Levine