Brian Sewell was no ordinary art critic. He was the man who dared to say what others wouldn’t, in a time and place where everybody seemed to toe the line of political correctness. Born in 1931 in England, Sewell became a prominent figure in the art world during his tenure as the art critic for the London Evening Standard from 1984 until his death in 2015. He analyzed art with unparalleled wit and unapologetic honesty, delivering his verdicts with the sharpness of a razor. Sewell didn’t care about stepping on toes, and more often than not, he stepped on the entire foot.
First and foremost, Brian Sewell was a man of intellect and style. With a sharp tongue and even sharper insights, he didn’t shy away from expressing controversial opinions that often rattled the cage of the art elite. Whether it was modern art or conceptual installations, he had no problem pointing out the emperor with no clothes, calling out what he saw as pretentious nonsense veiled as artistic genius. His views were often at odds with the trendy, liberal opinions permeating the art world. Sewell stood as a lone bastion against mediocrity, and the echoes of his critiques continue to resonate.
The Unwavering Stand Against Mediocrity: Sewell didn’t just criticize art; he challenged the complacency it represented. While others fawned over new trends and avant-garde installations, he insisted on a timeless quality and skill. According to him, modern art had started celebrating mediocrity and laziness, catering more to the shock factor than true talent. If modern art felt like scribbles to him, he didn’t mince words. He was the artistic vigilante, unafraid to shout the truth.
Champion of Classical Art: Sewell had a heart that beat for classical art. While others were swept away by the allure of contemporary techniques, Sewell’s passion lingered in the intricate brush strokes of Renaissance artists and the depth of the Baroque era. To him, classical art represented the pinnacle of human creativity and skill. He saw no reason to worship the ground contemporary artists walked on, especially if their art was devoid of craftsmanship.
Unapologetic Criticism: Known for his signature acerbic wit, he critiqued artists and their works with a biting edge. Tracey Emin? "Doodling." Damien Hirst? "Con-juror." He wasn't trying to win friends; he was telling hard truths as he saw them. The art world often deemed his critiques personal attacks, but Sewell dismissed these objections as a refusal to engage with legitimate criticism.
Eclectic Scholar: Sewell wasn’t just a critic; he was a scholar. Educated at the Courtauld Institute of Art, his credentials were as impressive as his criticisms were stinging. When he spoke of Rubens or Degas, it was from a place of deep knowledge and appreciation. He wanted more from art than empty provocations or outrageous price tags; he craved beauty, skill, and excellence. Such expectations are rarely fulfilled by today's trendy sensations.
Outspoken Personality: Sewell himself was something of an art form. With a well-cut suit and coiffed hair, he knew how to make an entrance. Whether it was fighting with modern art enthusiasts or articulating his theories with precision, Sewell was a personality as vivid as the art he discussed.
Lifelong Contrarian: Long before being a contrarian was trendy, Sewell relished the role of the outsider. He criticized art fairs as "vulgar," and was unafraid to declare that certain artworks wouldn't last beyond their five minutes of fame. In a world of sycophants and bandwagoners, his reluctance to join the chorus made him a rare and refreshing voice.
Legacy of a Maverick: Though gone, Sewell’s impact lingers. His voice, with its combination of rasp and authority, echoed from gallery to gallery, challenging the status quo of the art world. Some see him as the last great art critic who refused to bow to the pressures of modernity.
A Critical Eye on Public Art: Sewell was particularly skeptical about the nature of public art installations. To him, they often served as veiled government propaganda or superficial boasts of a culturally rich society. Sewell saw through the veneer, calling out these projects as mere distractions meant to symbolize progress without substance.
Sewell’s Enduring Wisdom: While his critiques stung, they forced introspection within the art world. His sharp words urged artists to reevaluate their endeavors and goals. Sewell asked the questions that many were too timid to voice, pushing the boundaries of what art should inspire.
A Voice of Austerity and Humor: Sewell managed the rare feat of being austere and humorous simultaneously. While his rhetoric was laced with a certain finality, there was an undeniable humor in his brutal honesty. Beneath the veneer of haughtiness, there existed a man who genuinely cared about the integrity of art.
Brian Sewell lived a life dedicated to art, one where he battled against pretension and false refinement, while exalting true craftsmanship and authenticity. He wore his truth like an armor, unafraid of the slings and arrows it would draw. His legacy is a reminder that art should challenge, inspire, and above all, be honest.