A canon is antithetical to everything the New York art world has been about for the past 40 years, during which we went from being the center of the art world to being one of many centers.
Jerry Saltz, a renowned art critic, argues that the art world has undergone a significant shift over the past 40 years. He believes that the rise of the canon, a set of widely accepted and revered artworks, is antithetical to the experimental and avant-garde nature of the New York art world during this period.
Saltz's quote highlights the tension between the traditional notion of a canon and the innovative spirit of contemporary art. He suggests that the emphasis on a canon stifles creativity and limits the possibilities of artistic expression.
The quote is set against the backdrop of the New York art world's decline as the center of the art world. This shift is attributed to the rise of other centers, such as Europe and Asia, which have become hubs for artistic innovation and experimentation.
Jerry Saltz is a prominent art critic and Pulitzer Prize winner. He has written for various publications, including New York Magazine, and has been a vocal advocate for the importance of art criticism in shaping the cultural landscape.
Saltz's quote has implications for the way we approach art education and the role of art institutions. It suggests that a focus on a canon can lead to a stifling of creativity and a lack of innovation in the art world.
Some may argue that Saltz's critique of the canon is overly simplistic, and that the importance of a canon in art history is undeniable. Others may see his quote as a call to arms, encouraging artists to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.