Artistic qualities that once seemed undeniable don't seem so now. Sometimes these fluctuations are only fickleness of taste, momentary glitches in an artist's work, or an artist getting ahead of his audience (it took me ten years to catch up to Albert Oehlen). Other times, however, these problems mean there's something wrong with the art.

Summary

This quote reflects on the subjective nature of artistic qualities and how they can be susceptible to changes in taste or perception over time. It acknowledges that what was once considered undeniable and exceptional may not hold the same value in the present. The fluctuations in artistic appreciation can be attributed to fickle preferences, temporary setbacks in an artist's work, or the artist exploring uncharted territory ahead of their audience. However, the quote also recognizes that sometimes these problems signify genuine flaws or deficiencies in the art itself, leading to a departure from its perceived quality.

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