Art Quote by Clement Greenberg
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Art and Its Discontents, 1970
Art can shock without being overtly novel; the shock itself has become a safe, conventional aesthetic.
In simple terms: Shock can be routine; novelty matters.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine surprise, not formulaic shock.
Themes
art
shock
convention
authenticity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- gallery openings
- advertising
- media criticism
- creative practice
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine surprise from cliché?
- What risks arise when shock becomes a norm?
A Different Perspective
Shock may be overused, losing impact.
