Clement Greenberg Quotes

A collection of quotes by Clement Greenberg.

Clement Greenberg (1909-1994) was a prominent American art critic and an influential figure in the development of modern art. Born in the Bronx, New York, Greenberg grew up with a strong interest in literature and the arts. He first studied literature at Syracuse University, but later turned his focus to visual arts.

Throughout his career, Greenberg championed the importance of formalism in art, which emphasized the visual elements of a work rather than its subject matter. He believed that artists should prioritize the exploration of their chosen medium's inherent qualities and push the boundaries of its possibilities.

Greenberg's writings played a significant role in shaping the discourse around modern art, particularly during the mid-20th century when abstract expressionism was at its peak. His influential essays, such as "Avant-Garde and Kitsch" (1939) and "Towards a Newer Laocoon" (1940), presented groundbreaking analyses and critiques of contemporary art movements. He famously championed the works of artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Hans Hofmann, among others.

His ideas heavily influenced the American art scene and many artists embraced his theories of modernism. Greenberg's contributions as a critic were instrumental in establishing the reputation of American abstract expressionism as a significant movement in the art world. Even though his ideas and critical stances faced opposition and evolved over time, Clement Greenberg remains an important figure in the history of modern art criticism.