Art's Educational Value

by Stuart Richmond

Aspects of Value


As many writers now agree, the main ideological thrust of postmodernism has peaked, though we live with its legacy, principally a lingering distrust of value and a suspicion of significant ideas concerning, for example, knowledge and truth. While it is still possible to encounter those who scoff at "enlightenment values," there does appear to be some softening of attitudes. Beauty is once again a respectable topic of philosophical discussion, and in art schools, drawing and painting are back in the curriculum. Most serious artists want to do their own original work to a high standard, and they can be their own strongest critics.