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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author proposes replacing analytical approaches to art with more sensual, engaging ones.
In plain terms
Instead of analyzing art, we should feel and experience it.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize direct experience over analysis when engaging with art.

Where it applies

  • art criticism
  • philosophy
  • education

Putting it to work

  • practice sensory observation
  • avoid over-analysis

Questions to consider

  • How do you usually engage with art?
  • Can you enjoy art without understanding it?

Another view

Some complex art requires analysis to be fully appreciated.

More from Susan Sontag

  1. Real art has the capacity to make us nervous. By reducing the work of art to its content and then interpreting that, one tames the work of art. Interpretation …

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  3. What the overemphasis on the idea of content entails is the perennial, never consummated project of interpretation. And, conversely, it is the habit of approac…

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