Style is, above all, a system of forms with a quality and a meaningful expression through which the personality of the artist and the broad outlook of a group are visible. It is also the vehicle of expression within the group, communicating and fixing certain values . . . . It is, besides, a common ground against which innovations and the individuality of particular works may be measured.
From Meyer Schapiro (an art historian), "Style" in Anthropology Today, (Chicago, 1953).
1 comment:
Meyer Schapiro is a great art historian and I think he's got style. I am, however, reading now more about fashion than about style. What's the difference? Fashion is fabricated by the capitalist industry in order to make money. True style, however, never has to be "in style" for the season. Fashion usually has no rhyme or reason behind it. Suddenly, everyone's dressed in leggings and baggy tops - but soon it'll end. What is meant by a sense of style is something that takes time and patience to develop, and correspond to a set of values.
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