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About this quote

What does it mean?
The desire to appear primitive was used to justify imperialist power and ego.
In plain terms
Rich people liked primitive art to feel powerful and in control.
What can you take from it?
Aesthetic trends can serve political and egoistic goals.

Where it applies

  • history classes
  • art criticism
  • political analysis

Putting it to work

  • teaching history
  • analyzing media
  • writing critiques

Questions to consider

  • How does power shape taste?
  • What does art reveal about ego?

Another view

This may oversimplify individual artists' intentions.

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  3. The essential difference between a sculpture like Andre's Equivalent VIII, 1978, and any that had existed before in the past is that Andre's array of bricks de…

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