“There should be a law that no ordinary newspaper should be allowed to write about art. The harm they do by their foolish and random writing it would be impossible to overestimate – not to the artist, but to the public, blinding them to all but harming the artist not at all.”
- 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
“There should be a law that no ordinary newspaper should be allowed to write about art. The harm they do by their foolish and random writing it would be impossible to overestimate – not to the artist, but to the public, blinding them to all but harming the artist not at all.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde criticizes the influence of mainstream media—specifically newspapers—on public perceptions of art. He argues that the uninformed or sensationalist writing found in these outlets does little to serve the artist but rather misleads the public, creating a distorted or superficial understanding of art. Wilde’s concern is not for the artist’s reputation, as he believes that true art cannot be harmed by such shallow criticism, but for the audience who may be blinded or misled by the opinions of unsophisticated critics. The artist remains unaffected by the baseless judgment, but the public, lacking the tools to critically evaluate art, may have their appreciation and understanding of it stifled.
Wilde’s words reflect his belief in the power and responsibility of art criticism, which, in his view, should come from those who are not only informed but also sensitive to the nuances of art. For Wilde, art cannot be appreciated through simple, surface-level commentary, and critics who fail to engage deeply with the work do more harm than good by distorting the public’s relationship with it.
In modern contexts, this quote remains relevant in discussions about media influence, particularly in the age of clickbait and quick reviews that often prioritize entertainment over meaningful or critical analysis. It reminds us of the importance of thoughtful, well-informed commentary on art, and the potential dangers of allowing shallow or uninformed opinions to shape public taste and understanding. Wilde encourages a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to engaging with art, one that respects the depth and complexity of the artist’s work and encourages the public to look beyond surface-level critiques.
