Art Quote by Susan Sontag
““As long as art is understood and valued as an “absolute” activity, it will be a separate, elitist one. Elites presuppose masses. So far as the best art defines itself by essentially “priestly” aims, it presupposes and confirms the existence of a relatively passive, never fully initiated, voyeuristic laity which is regularly convoked to watch, listen, read, or hear — and then sent away.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Notes on ‘Camp’”, 1964
Art that claims absolute value creates a divide, positioning elites and a passive audience, reinforcing elitism.
In simple terms: Art as elite separates creators from viewers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize art’s social dynamics.
Themes
art
elitism
culture
audience
power
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- art education
- public performances
- media criticism
Key Concepts
Aesthetics
social hierarchy
participation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does elitism affect artistic relevance?
- Can art be inclusive without losing depth?
A Different Perspective
Art’s impact depends on audience engagement, not just elite intent.
![“Anthropology has always struggled with an intense, fascinated repulsion towards its subject… [The anthropologist] submits himself to the exotic to confirm his own inner alienation as an urban intellectual.” quote by Susan Sontag](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fe1/susan-sontag-332_alienation_anthropology-has-always-struggled-with-a_15322.jpg)
