When Criticism Was Life and Death

"Barbara Rose condemned her contemporaries in Artforum for engaging in trivial debates about art while the nation faced serious issues like assassinations and riots. She found their focus on formalism repugnant in the context of a morally charged environment."

"The current discourse in art criticism has shifted from the urgency of moral engagement to questions about critics' intentions and their impact on audiences. This change reflects an assumption that art is not a matter of life and death."

"Rose's essay was part of Artforum's 'Problems of Criticism' series, which sought to address the responsibilities of critics during a time of social crisis. The series highlighted the need for critics to reflect on their roles and the political implications of their work."

In 1968, Barbara Rose criticized her Artforum colleagues for focusing on trivial debates while the country faced significant social upheaval. She argued that art criticism should not be morally neutral, especially during crises like assassinations and riots. Today, the focus has shifted to the intentions and impacts of critics rather than the fundamental importance of art itself. Critics no longer question whether art is a matter of life and death, leading to a lack of inquiry into the moral implications of their work. Rose's essay was part of a series addressing the role of criticism during social turmoil.

Read at Artforum