Criticism will need an injection of humility - that is, a recognition of its role as ancillary to the arts, needed only occasionally in a temporary capacity. Since the critic exists only for introducing and explaining, he must be readily intelligible; he has no special vocabulary: criticism is in no way a science or a system.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Criticism should serve the arts as a temporary aid rather than a dominant system. Critics must be clear and accessible without relying on specialized jargon.
- In plain terms
- Critics should help people understand art, not act like scientists with their own secret language.
- What can you take from it?
- Critics should prioritize clarity and service to art over building complex systems.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the primary purpose of criticism?
- Should critics be experts or guides?
Another view
Some complex art may require specialized vocabulary to explain effectively.
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