“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”
- 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
“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde highlights the mutual responsibility between artists and critics. Wilde suggests that while critics have the task of guiding and shaping the tastes and understanding of the public, artists are responsible for challenging the critics and expanding their perspectives. The critic’s role is to help the audience appreciate and engage with art, but the artist, through their creativity and innovation, pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable, understandable, or appreciated, forcing the critic to reconsider their framework and beliefs about art.
Wilde’s comment reflects his belief in the evolving nature of art and the intellectual independence of both artists and critics. He seems to suggest that while critics may have power in influencing public opinion, they are not passive recipients of art. Rather, they must engage with the innovative and often disruptive nature of new art, which forces them to rethink traditional standards. In this way, both the critic and the artist play an active role in the cultural discourse, each educating and shaping the other.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the dynamic relationship between creators and critics in the world of art, literature, and media. It reminds us that the evolution of art and culture is a two-way process, where both innovation by artists and interpretation by critics help to shape and advance public understanding and appreciation of art. Wilde’s words encourage us to think critically about both the creation and evaluation of art, and how each influence the other in the broader cultural conversation.
