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About this quote

What does it mean?
Precise art definitions fail because the concept is wrongly based on beauty.
In plain terms
Art has no clear definition because people confuse it with beauty.
What can you take from it?
Move beyond beauty to define art precisely.

Where it applies

  • art theory
  • academic study
  • criticism

Putting it to work

  • study art history
  • define art functionally
  • challenge aesthetic norms

Questions to consider

  • Can art exist without beauty?
  • How do you define art without beauty?

Another view

Beauty remains a central historical and practical criterion for much art.

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