Art criticism in the 20th century was shaped by a few towering figures whose ideas and writings profoundly influenced how we understand and appreciate art. Among these critics, Clement Greenberg, Harold Rosenberg, and Rosalind Krauss stand out for their groundbreaking contributions and distinct perspectives. Each brought a unique approach to the discourse surrounding modern and contemporary art, playing pivotal roles in championing key movements and artists. Greenberg’s formalism, Rosenberg’s existentialism, and Krauss’s postmodernism provided varied lenses through which to view the evolving art landscape. This blog post delves into the lives, careers, and legacies of these three influential critics, exploring their contributions to the world of art and their lasting impact on art criticism.
Clement Greenberg: The Champion of Modernism
Clement Greenberg, born on January 16, 1909, in the Bronx, New York, was a towering figure in art criticism. He began his career with modest beginnings, working various jobs before turning to art criticism in the late 1930s. His breakthrough came with his 1939 essay, “Avant-Garde and Kitsch,” published in “Partisan Review”, establishing him as a formidable voice in the art world. Greenberg argued that true avant-garde art was a means to resist the degradation of culture by mass-produced kitsch.
Greenberg’s influence grew as he became the primary advocate for Abstract Expressionism, a movement he believed represented the pinnacle of modern art. He championed artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Barnett Newman, arguing that their work embodied a purity of form and an emphasis on the inherent qualities of the medium, particularly using “flatness” and “optical space.” His 1960 essay “Modernist Painting” further cemented his legacy by articulating his vision of modern art’s evolution.
Image – Wikipedia
Harold Rosenberg: The Philosopher of Action Painting
Harold Rosenberg, born on February 2, 1906, in New York City, took a different path to art criticism. Initially involved in law and politics, Rosenberg transitioned to writing and criticism through his involvement with the WPA Federal Art Project during the Great Depression. His entry into art criticism was marked by his deep engagement with existential philosophy, which heavily influenced his views on art.
Rosenberg’s seminal 1952 essay, “The American Action Painters,” published in “Art News“, introduced the term “Action Painting” to describe the dynamic, process-oriented work of Abstract Expressionists. He saw the canvas as an “arena in which to act,” emphasizing the artist’s creative process over the final product. This perspective stood in contrast to Greenberg’s focus on formal qualities, highlighting the performative and existential aspects of painting.
Image – The Art Story
Rosalind Krauss: The Theorist of Postmodernism
Rosalind Krauss, born on November 30, 1941, in Washington, D.C., emerged as a formidable voice in art criticism during the latter half of the 20th century. After earning her Ph.D. from Harvard University, Krauss began her career as a critic for “Artforum” magazine, where she quickly gained recognition for her incisive and theoretically rich critiques.
Krauss’s approach to art criticism was deeply influenced by structuralism and post-structuralism. In her landmark 1979 essay, “Sculpture in the Expanded Field,” she redefined the boundaries of sculpture, challenging traditional notions and embracing a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach. Krauss was also a co-founder of the influential journal *October*, which became a leading platform for contemporary art theory and criticism. Her work often engaged with concepts of postmodernism, media, and the shifting dynamics of artistic production.
Image – Widewalls
Similarities and Differences in Their Criticism
While Greenberg, Rosenberg, and Krauss all played pivotal roles in shaping art criticism, their approaches and focal points varied significantly:
1. Formalism vs. Existentialism vs. Postmodernism: Greenberg’s criticism was grounded in formalism, focusing on art’s aesthetic and material properties. Rosenberg viewed art through an existential lens, emphasizing the artist’s expression and the act of creation itself. Krauss, on the other hand, was influenced by structuralist and post-structuralist theories, challenging traditional boundaries and exploring the interdisciplinary nature of art.
2. Artistic Heroes: Greenberg lauded Jackson Pollock’s emphasis on flatness and medium specificity, while Rosenberg admired de Kooning’s gestural, process-oriented approach. Krauss championed a broader range of artists and movements, often engaging with contemporary and postmodern practices, including the works of artists like Cindy Sherman and Richard Serra.
3. Legacy and Influence: Greenberg’s formalist perspective dominated art criticism in the mid-20th century and influenced subsequent movements like Minimalism. Rosenberg’s ideas found resonance with later movements that emphasized the artist’s role and process, such as Conceptual Art and Performance Art. Krauss’s theoretical approach has had a lasting impact on contemporary art criticism, particularly in postmodernism and media studies.
Final Days and Evolving Views
Greenberg continued to write and lecture on art until his death on May 7, 1994. While his core beliefs about modernism and formalism remained steadfast, he did express admiration for certain post-painterly abstraction artists, acknowledging the evolving nature of art beyond Abstract Expressionism.
Rosenberg’s later years saw him expanding his focus beyond Abstract Expressionism to other contemporary art forms. He continued to write prolifically until his death on July 11, 1978. Unlike Greenberg, Rosenberg was more open to the shifting dynamics of the art world, often engaging with new movements and artists, reflecting his belief in the ever-changing nature of artistic expression.
Krauss remains an influential figure in art criticism and academia. Her work continues to evolve, addressing new developments in art and theory. Krauss’s impact on contemporary art discourse is profound, and she remains a vital voice in challenging and redefining the boundaries of art criticism.
These were three of the most influential art critics of the 20th century, each leaving an indelible mark on the art world through their distinctive approaches. Greenberg’s formalism, Rosenberg’s existentialism, and Krauss’s postmodernism provided rich, contrasting frameworks for understanding and appreciating art. Their legacies continue to shape art criticism and influence contemporary discourse, reminding us of the profound impact that thoughtful, passionate critique can have on the evolution of art.
Cover Image – Anthony’s Fine Art
