Modernism Quote by Robert Hughes
“Why should we expect modernist taste to be any smarter than premodernist or postmodernist?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Art Critic Dialogue, 1990s
He questions whether modernist taste is inherently superior to other artistic periods.
In simple terms: Modernist taste isn’t automatically smarter.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess all artistic eras equally.
Themes
art criticism
modernism
subjectivity
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- academic study
- public discourse
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
cultural relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we define “smarter” in art?
- What criteria should guide taste judgments?
A Different Perspective
Modernist bias can overlook valuable premodern insights.
