Not to say people shouldn't get rich from art. I adore the alchemy wherein artists who cast a complex spell make rich people give them their money. (Just writing it makes me cackle.) But too many artists have been making money without magic.
This quote highlights the enchanting power of art to transform both creators and viewers, acting as a mystical bridge that evokes value beyond mere aesthetics. Jerry Saltz appreciates the special alchemy that occurs when artists create works capable of captivating patrons emotionally and spiritually, thus facilitating their financial support. However, he also notes a concerning trend where some artists profit without capturing this magical quality, potentially reducing art to a purely commercial pursuit. It emphasizes the importance of genuine artistic integrity and the transformative power of true creativity, urging both artists and audiences to seek and cherish that elusive magic that elevates art beyond standard transactions.
