Thoughts on the Critics…
Arts Journal is blogging about the role of critics all week long, a topic close to my heart. I write books and do other things that are subject to criticism. It’s great to get a fabulous review (the L.A. Times called Bookmark Now “Pure inspirational power juice” which I thought was pretty cool) and stinks to get jacked (My own San Francisco Bay Guardian essentially accused me of turning young people into a pack of illiterate jello sacks). But I also write criticism for this august publication and began my career in journalism reviewing movies. So I play for both teams.
Critics at their best are conversation starters: Their probing should not only get you thinking about art and culture but hold it to some level of examination. Under any set of circumstances, we can think of a flimsy reason why an element of culture should be given a pass be it personal project, ringing with social significance or simply staring someone we think is nice/smart/hot/infallible. But that’s not what culture is for. It’s not meant to flatter our prejudices or lull us with comfort but challenge us. Critics are the first step in making that happen, telling the producers of culture that, no matter how fabulous you think you are, there will be at least one person asking hard questions. I think that’s an incredibly valuable service in a democracy.
Now there are good critics and bad ones, thoughtful, passionate examiners and hired guns packing nothing but attitude. The latter are just taking up space. But that doesn’t mean the entire critical enterprise is unnecessary. Instead it means that, in art schools and M.F.A programs, in creative mentorships of all kinds, we should be telling young artists that being critiqued is part of the game, a healthy part because our work is never perfect and we should never stop trying to make it that way. Bitching about critics (an author once sent me a note saying my review “really hurt” and he “just wanted me to know that.” I do know that. I also know that you’re being a brat and I will never speak well or you or your books again) makes artists look like whiny infants. I think we’re cut out for better than that.
Lou Reed once said “How’d you like to work on an album for a year and have some asshole in the Village Voice give it a B+?” To which I say, Lou, a) a B+ ain’t bad b) There are lots of other newspapers and c) hopefully, in your life, there will be lots of other albums.
Reader interactions
4 Replies to “Thoughts on the Critics…”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thanks for linking to this great discussion. As legions of new critics emerge, legions of artists will continue to complain. Sure, artists should be able to take reviews in stride but this will always be an imperfect exchange between a producer who’s (ideally) put a chunk of their soul into their work and a consumer who, by definition, comes from a different place and can rarely appreciate the work as intended.
Yes, responsible critics start the conversation and are big enough to acknowledge their subjectivity (i.e. if you’re a fan of X you might like Y even though I didn’t). But responsible artists are big enough to filter the constructive criticism from the critic who’s can’t tell their head from their ass.
But here’s the kicker: a bad review may destroy a young theater company, art gallery, comedy troupe, etc. If your show Slugs! The Musical! looks interesting but gets panned, chances are I’m interested in 7 other shows and won’t give sluggie a chance. If you get a grumpy critic who’s biased against slugs, you’re S.O.L.
It shouldn’t be that way. But if you’re clever enough, you’ll find the slug lovers and make them part of your marketing campaign. If you’re a whiny bitch who wants a scapegoat, then by all means pin the tale on the critic.
Thanks for linking to this great discussion. As legions of new critics emerge, legions of artists will continue to complain. Sure, artists should be able to take reviews in stride but this will always be an imperfect exchange between a producer who’s (ideally) put a chunk of their soul into their work and a consumer who, by definition, comes from a different place and can rarely appreciate the work as intended.
Yes, responsible critics start the conversation and are big enough to acknowledge their subjectivity (i.e. if you’re a fan of X you might like Y even though I didn’t). But responsible artists are big enough to filter the constructive criticism from the critic who’s can’t tell their head from their ass.
But here’s the kicker: a bad review may destroy a young theater company, art gallery, comedy troupe, etc. If your show Slugs! The Musical! looks interesting but gets panned, chances are I’m interested in 7 other shows and won’t give sluggie a chance. If you get a grumpy critic who’s biased against slugs, you’re S.O.L.
It shouldn’t be that way. But if you’re clever enough, you’ll find the slug lovers and make them part of your marketing campaign. If you’re a whiny bitch who wants a scapegoat, then by all means pin the tale on the critic.
Well put, my friend.
Well put, my friend.