One cannot condemn tendencies in art; one can only condemn works of art. To be categorically against a current art tendency or style means, in effect, to pronounce on works of art not yet created and not yet seen. It means inquiring into the motives of artists instead of into results. Yet we all know — or are supposed to know — that results are all that count in art.


"Wyndham Lewis Against Abstract Art" (1957), p. 164 - Art and Culture: Critical Essays, (1961)

Clement Greenberg Quotes

One cannot condemn tendencies in art; one can only condemn works of art. To be categorically against a current art tendency or style means, in...

One cannot condemn tendencies in art; one can only condemn works of art. To be categorically against a current art tendency or style means, in...

One cannot condemn tendencies in art; one can only condemn works of art. To be categorically against a current art tendency or style means, in...

One cannot condemn tendencies in art; one can only condemn works of art. To be categorically against a current art tendency or style means, in...