The uncertain future of art criticism in Italy
A critic under 40 reflects on the precarious state of art criticism after being featured in Corriere della Sera's "Arte" supplement on January 12. The role lacks recognition, with curators having usurped traditional critical functions, as Renato Barilli has argued. There is a dearth of educational programs for new critics compared to the proliferation of curatorial courses. Most critics now teach at public and private academies, while few hold directorships at museums, galleries, or foundations. Journalistic outlets rarely offer paid space for criticism. Even when criticism is published, it faces indifference from academia, which favors standardized papers over critical writing. The author cites Oscar Wilde's "The Critic as Artist" as consolation.
Key facts
- The author was featured in Corriere della Sera's "Arte" supplement on January 12 as an under-40 art critic.
- Renato Barilli has criticized curators for usurping the roles of critics.
- There are many master's programs and courses for curators but few for art theory and criticism.
- Most critics now teach at public and private academies as their primary professional and economic resource.
- Few critics hold directorships at museums, galleries, or foundations.
- Journalistic outlets rarely offer paid space for criticism.
- Academic institutions often ignore critical writing because it does not conform to the format of papers.
- The author references Oscar Wilde's 'The Critic as Artist'.
Entities
Artists
- Renato Barilli
- Oscar Wilde
Institutions
- Corriere della Sera
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy