issue144 艺术类，再次限时失败

qisaimanUID: 2703629

ISSUE144 qisaiman- "It is the artist, not the critic,* who gives society something of lasting value."

*a person who evaluates works of art, such as novels, films, music, paintings, etc.
WORDS: 450
TIME: xxx

DATE: 2010-2-26

It is argued that the artist, not the critic gives society lasting values. Admittedly, it is undeniable that the artists create the works where values stand. Yet, without public understanding and acceptance, those values might fail to come into being. In the light of the significant function of critic to evaluate the works of art, they actually help to embody those values which thereby can reach the society and perpetuate itself.

Firstly, the artists have provided and will continue to supply us with numerous works, enriching our emotions and deepening our understanding to the society, world and nature, such as the paint of Mona Lisa, the sculpture of David, the symphony of Hero and Fate. The artists did give the society something of lasting value. While, turning to the contemporary world, critics actually have performed their jobs even before we realize it, in museum, in gallery, on the TV, and even on the Internet. Strictly speaking, they carry out aesthetic analysis to the art; General speaking, they just like the tour guide, and the audience like the tourist. It is common that when one travels to another unfamiliar yet famous place, a tour guide is needed to explain the style of architecture, the history of local customs and so on. In a similar way, in the museum and gallery, the critic is our tour guide, who leads us to the world of art, convey the expression the art intends to and thus deliver values to the society.

In addition, with the rapid development of modern society, art has sought many other approaches to express itself, some of which were too abstract or obscure to be accepted by the public in a short time. Although the critics are, as the name implies, prone to be regarded as those who make negative comments on the art works, it is not always the whole story. In fact, in certain scenario, the critic often helps to provide interpretations. The connection between famous critic Roger Fry and Post-Impressionist movement aptly illustrates my points. In this way, critic champions the claim and new ideas of artist. Hence, it is reasonable to contend that the artist and critic are mutually dependent to create, develop, and realize the values which can thereby last.

Furthermore, there are other functions for critic. For instance, collectors often turn to critic for help when they need opinions on making decision about which work to pursue. As is known, the economic value of art works is of grand importance both to artist and society. Thus, the critic exerts subtle yet indispensable influence on the art.


In conclusion, as mentioned above, we can readily see that the relations between the two are dramatic and subtle, and both of them can deliver lasting value to the society.