Leo Steinberg Quotes & Sayings

Whatever else art is good for, its chief effectiveness lies in propagating more art. — Leo Steinberg

All art is infested by other art. — Leo Steinberg

It is in the nature of original contemporary art to present itself as a bad risk. And we the public ... should be proud of being in this predicament, because nothing else would seem to us quite true to life; and art, after all, is supposed to be a mirror of life. — Leo Steinberg

The critic interested in a novel manifestation holds his criteria and taste in reserve. Since they were formed upon yesterday's art, he does not assume that they are ready-made for today. — Leo Steinberg

One way to cope with the provocations of novel art is to rest firm and maintain solid standards ... set by the critic's long-practiced taste and by his conviction that only those innovations will be significant which promote the established direction of advanced art. — Leo Steinberg

One of the things I find most mysterious in Picasso's work is what I would call the 'unlocation of place. — Leo Steinberg

If a work of art or a new style disturbs you, then it is probably good work. If you hate it, it is probably great. — Leo Steinberg