Oscar WIlde

“When critics disagree, the artist is in accord with himself.” Oscar Wilde

Through his statement, Wilde recognizes the relationship between the artist and critic as being codependent. The artist works with the critic’s disapproval in mind; the artist needs to be challenged. An artist looks to challenge through creation and a disapproving critic is only reassurance to the artist’s success in going against normalcy. Wilde exposes the rebellious nature of much art and shows twisted intentions. Some artists would be pleased with positive responses to their works from critics but a rebellious creator of art looks to challenge the art of those before him. I believe Wilde is referring to the innovative and rebellious figures of the arts.  It is these artists who make a significant impression on the world. It is new and truly inspired art the makes a change. Often, things that are produced and disregarded by critics are really amazing. It is hard to find interesting and worthwhile works of art when the publicized works (those accepted by the media) are not nearly as inspired. 

This relationship is paralleled by modern artists and critics. One guerilla artist, who goes by Crocheted Olek, covered the Wall Street bull in neon knit fabric right before a huge storm. It was a bold and risky move by Olek but it was a great move and tribute to the original artist, Arturo di Morica, who placed the bull there in Christmas of 1987 as a symbol of the "strength and power of the American people’ following the 1987 Stock Market crash.” The bull's "sweater" was removed after only two hours.