Like traffic wardens and estate agents, critics do not rank highly in public affection. They have often been regarded as parasites, unable to create art themselves but capable of ruining reputations with the stroke of a poison pen. However, the critic has a vital role to play in culture and one that is under threat. Guardian
2 Comments
Ahmen,
Particularly..
"At a literature conference these days you are much more likely to hear about hegemonic discourses than about the aesthetic merits of a writer."
Or any academic discussion-conversation.
Plus....
"Yet the death of the critic is to be mourned. If we only listen to those who already share our proclivities and interests, the supposed critical democracy will lead to a dangerous attenuation of taste and conservatism of judgment."
Death to us...We are the critic
I worry about the loss of the "expert" - meaning someone who can speak to a topic from a significantly deeper understanding of the subject and its relationship to other aspects of culture than a typical "layman" has.
That said, my favorite part of the newspaper has always been "Letters to the Editor", and that is why I spend so much time here in the forums!
But I feel in recent years that there is simply too much noise, and the person who can write the most engaging (i.e., witty, and/or inflammatory) critique is the one who will get all the attention - and that's why they are using that writing style.
Yes criticism is an art unto itself, and as in so many of the arts I see less interest in skill, craft, and furthering culture and more interest in entertainment and furthering one's own career. Or else I'm just turning into an old person, which is undoubtedly true.
Also, Dave Hickey is by far my favorite critic, and I feel he not only has the experience and knowledge to be speaking from a higher plane than most of us, I feel he also has the long-term interests of the art world and thus of culture in his mind when he writes. He's honestly trying to elevate the community when he speaks, and his writing is his gift to everyone.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.