Art Quote by Susan Sontag
“[T]he visibility of styles is itself a product of historical consciousness. ... The very notion of "style" needs to be approached historically. Awareness of style as a problematic and isolable element in a work of art has emerged in the audience for art only at certain historical moments - as a front behind which other issues, ultimately ethical and political, are being debated.”
About This Quote
The concept of "style" is shaped by historical context and reflects deeper ethical and political debates.
In simple terms: Style is a historical construct tied to larger issues.
Consider the historical forces behind artistic styles.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- museum curation
- academic research
- media studies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What historical factors influence current artistic trends?
- How does style reflect power structures?
Style analysis can overlook individual agency.