ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

William Gass: A Stylist Above All

publication · 2026-04-24

In a 1989 interview with artpress, American writer William Gass rejected conventional literary labels, declaring himself a 'stylist' rather than a novelist, short story writer, or essayist. Gass, known for his dense, philosophical prose, emphasized the primacy of language and form over narrative. The interview, published in the June 1989 issue of artpress, captures Gass's distinctive views on writing and his refusal to be categorized.

Key facts

  • William Gass refused the labels novelist, short story writer, and essayist.
  • He identified himself as a writer and stylist.
  • The interview was published in artpress in June 1989.
  • Gass was known for his philosophical and stylistically dense prose.
  • He prioritized language and form over narrative.

Entities

Artists

  • William Gass

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources