“Technique is really personality. That is the reason why the artist cannot teach it, why the pupil cannot learn it, and why the aesthetic critic can understand it.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“Technique is really personality. That is the reason why the artist cannot teach it, why the pupil cannot learn it, and why the aesthetic critic can understand it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde argues that technique in art is not simply a set of learned skills or methods, but rather an expression of the artist’s personality. Wilde suggests that technique is intrinsically linked to the individuality and unique creative vision of the artist, and as such, it cannot be taught or learned in the traditional sense. An artist’s technique reflects their personal style, sensibilities, and experience, and this cannot be easily replicated or passed on to others. Therefore, pupils or students cannot simply absorb technique through instruction, and it is not something that can be transferred through a formal learning process.
Wilde also points out that while technique cannot be taught, it is something that an aesthetic critic can understand because the critic is trained to see and appreciate the personal expression behind the technique. A critic, in this sense, does not simply evaluate the technical correctness of a work, but seeks to understand how the artist’s personality and individual expression are embedded in the work.
Wilde’s perspective here emphasizes the subjective and personal nature of art, suggesting that true artistic mastery cannot be reduced to a technical skill alone. It is an embodiment of the artist’s character, vision, and emotion, and this is something that critics or those with a deep understanding of art can recognize and appreciate, even if they cannot teach or replicate it. In modern contexts, Wilde’s words remind us of the importance of authenticity and individuality in creative work, where the personal touch of the artist is what elevates art beyond mere technical execution.
