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Today they are teaching the subject of art as a frill in…

“Today they are teaching the subject of art as a frill in school, partly due to intellectual preciousness that has crept into art departments with the making of the History of Art. Intellectualising places art on a pedestal only for the few, causing New Zealanders to revert to the invented snobbery…” quote by Theresa Sjoquist
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““Today they are teaching the subject of art as a frill in school, partly due to intellectual preciousness that has crept into art departments with the making of the History of Art. Intellectualising places art on a pedestal only for the few, causing New Zealanders to revert to the invented snobbery that tends to ignore anything arty as exotic, unattainable, not wholesome.””

Theresa Sjoquist

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote criticizes how art is treated as an elite, inaccessible subject in New Zealand, turning it into a snobbery that alienates ordinary people.

In simple terms: Art is made elitist, alienating everyday people.

Key Takeaway

Make art education inclusive and accessible.

Themes

education art elitism accessibility culture New Zealand

Mood

critical concerned hopeful

Type

analytical social

When to use this quote

  • school curricula reform
  • community art programs
  • public exhibitions
  • media discussions

Key Concepts

art democratization social inclusion cultural critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can art become more inclusive?
  • What barriers prevent people from engaging with art?
A Different Perspective

The critique may overlook positive art initiatives.

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