【Big Fish】04月06日Issue144-By mseyj

mseyjUID: 2730706

Issue 144

It is the artist, not the critic, who gives society something of lasting value.

Who gives society something of lasting value, the artist and the critic? To better comprehend the question, primarily we should clearly claim the meaning of "lasting value". If we define "last value" as one characterized by profound, insightful, enlightened idea which can whether the testing of time, I concede that it is the artists rather than the critics who produce "lasting value" : The splendid artworks in themselves bring us “lasting value”, when critics-due to their narrow mind-sometime neglect them. Nevertheless, it is impossible to deny critics contribution to the process of the generation of outstanding works.

Admittedly, The critics who evaluate the artworks with expertise and plenty background sensitivity could play a vital role in explicating the deep and significant value hidden in the artworks since the artworks imply a splendid but also abstruse idea through a unique way which is called "art". To most of the ordinary people without possessing a little base, it is hard to truly perceive these values under the works. In this case, the critics help general population to experience the grandness and magnificence of the artworks. For example, Picasso's later pictures are so abstract that they are very hard to understand
and appreciate. But after reading the critics 'comment on these pictures, we can indirectly catch the idea and value that the painter want to express. Moreover, another beneficial effect of the critics is that they would improve the artist's works by feed backing constructive criticism to the artists. By recognizing the flaws in their works, the artists would advance, and then produce more valuable works that might persist for ever.

However, though we concede the huge role of the critics in expressing the profound value of the artworks and promote the artists to produce better works, the fact that the authentic producer of the lasting value is those great artists should be pointed out clearly. In most cases, the artworks themselves are the lasting values, and act as a bridge between the authors and readers, painters and visitors. People might experience the greatness and fascination of the works and being impressed deeply without interpreting or translations, for the works themselves are so strongly impressive. Any one that hears the symphonies of Beethoven might sense a surge in the heart and being inspired to struggle, and any one who looks at Da Vinci's Mona Lisa's smile might perceive a sense of mystery and happiness, at the same time all of us admire the artists' superb skills.

For another interesting thing is that sometime profound artworks are overlooked by contemporary critics which in fact have the enduring values. The inner flaws such as the limited knowledge of the critics restrained by the traditions and level of the society of that time would always lead to their ignorance of those valuable works transcend the era. Van Gogh, one of the greatest painters, serves a good example. He seldom sold out one picture at his period due to the mass could not accept his hyperbolic expression way which is incompatible with contemporary prevalence. Nevertheless, his greatness is learned by the modern people and his innovation in the colors such as bright color in "sunflowers" would bring us huge impaction and art value in present and future.

Critics do play an substantial role in the history of the development of the art. They clarify the deep-hidden value in the works and boost the birth of magnificent works. However, they can never tell us the lasting value which would be brought out only by the artists’ works that has been tested by the long river of time.