Modernism/Postmodernism - Article Example

Modernism/Postmodernism The article criticizes the formalist critics and their view and attitude towards art. According to the formalist critics, an artist has to present art in a certain way while the observer has to view the art from one point of view. In addition, the outlook towards art is limited to merely one fixation. The author gives the views of the formalist critics and at the same time gives different outlook and view towards the same piece of art. The author believes that there is a vast distinction between art of the Old Masters and contemporary painting, which wholly depends on the viewer’s personal understanding of the artwork.

He punctures the narrow-minded formalism that held influence above modern painting. He refutes of formalist disapproval particularly practiced by Clement Greenberg. Greenberg argues that contemporary painting evolved whilst pursing constant superior illustrative vastness. Steinberg relates the rationalized account of originality and modes of perceptual difficulty by younger artists to commercial modes of competence. Greenberg was in disagreement of illusionism, instead of considering a picture as the effects it portrays; he saw the appropriate manner of viewing a picture was on a painted plane.

Steinberg viewed illustration arts as a skill to mirror and develop into being itself. For example, he views Kooming and Kline labors as conscious and more apprehensive with creating fine art than plainly existing on canvas. The final analysis of the reading is Steinberg personalizes art criticism and is of view that anybody or anything that can do work of art can improve. He wants a shift from art referencing nature to one based on cultural images. In addition, he desires a pluralistic interpretation that incorporates historical context, formal analysis, and emotional content.

Works cited Steinberg, Leo. "Reflections on the State of Criticism." Rauschenberg, Robert and Joseph Branden. Robert Rauschenberg; Volume 4 of October Files. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 2003. 7-37. Print.