It is precisely those artists and writers who are most inclined to think of their art as the manifestation of their personality who are in fact the most in bondage to public taste. [p.57]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Artists who focus on expressing their personality are actually more constrained by public opinion than those who do not.
- In plain terms
- Trying to show your personality in art makes you more dependent on what the public likes.
- What can you take from it?
- Authenticity in art can paradoxically lead to conformity with public taste.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does focusing on personality limit artistic freedom?
- How do you balance self-expression with audience appeal?
Another view
Not all self-expression necessarily bows to public expectation.
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