A lot depends on whether or not one thinks that experience is valuable, and causes one to understand and perceive better, that one moves from relative blur to clarity and insight. If that is so, then looking at a lot of paintings, or listening to a lot of concert music, will improve one's taste, although, be it noted, taste is more contingent on incidental factors of history and personality than many things, and therefore there will always be room for disagreement. Still, mere exposure tends to produce greater convergence.......
A lot also depends on what one thinks of democracy. If one thinks that people are qualified to opine on anything, and be taken seriously, regardless of whether they have knowledge or experience of the matter, then art can be put to a vote, majority rules. If you think that it is wise that decisions are delegated to persons and committees who have the expertise and put in the time to work through issues, and that the broad majority ought to merely determine the general trend of government, and review performance, then the idea that an elite has exceptional influence on matters of art is not particularly offensive.... |
