It has become apparent that art can have a startling impact without really being or saying anything startling — or new. The character itself of being startling, spectacular, or upsetting has become conventionalized, part of safe good taste.
Clement GreenbergArt is a matter strictly of experience, not of principles and what counts first and last in art is quality, all other things are secondary.
Clement GreenbergArt criticism, I would say, is about the most ungrateful form of 'elevated' writing I know of. It may also be one of the most challenging.. if only because so few people have done it well enough to be remembered.. but I'm not sure the challenge is worth it.
Clement GreenbergKitsch is deceptive. It has many different levels, and some of them are high enough to be dangerous to the naive seeker of true light.
Clement Greenberg