A review of The Whole Ball of Wax

The theory behind Jerry Saltz's "The Whole Ball of Wax" is not a difficult idea with which to agree: art is "part of the biota of the world. It exists within a holistic system." Saltz rationalizes that art is not the singular answer to many crises that take place around the globe, but similar to "science, religion, philosophy, politics, or any other discipline," art is capable of changing the world.

Unfortunately for Saltz, the tone behind his arguments substantiating this theory are perceived less as a passionate defense of art and more as an abrasive attack on anyone who doesn't share his precise ideals on this topic. He consistently ridiculed those who prefer to have a concrete understanding of something in order to appreciate it, and in doing so, I believe he contradicted the message he tried to make.

For example, immediately following his tirade on the flawed, unimaginative thinking of "myopic scientists" and Cartesians, Saltz includes a quote from Oscar Wilde that is intended to counter the beliefs of those whose school of thinking aligns with Descartes: "The moment you think you understand a work of art it's dead for you." By agreeing with this statement, Saltz unravels much of his supporting points centered around art as a "necessity." In being a necessity, art is also whatever an individual needs it to be for them specifically. If in understanding a work of art, the beholder finds comfort, clarity, and enrichment in their life, why should that mean that the work of art must be dead to them? Saltz repeatedly discusses the healing power of art, listing Antonio Cassese and Gaylen Gerber as notable accounts of using art to aid in coping with various traumas and negativity, yet he fails to acknowledge that even these individuals had their own understanding of the artwork they were experiencing in order to benefit from the pieces.

There's an elitist mentality in the way Saltz talks about art, almost as if it's meant to be some unfathomable, unattainable concept. Yet some of the most beloved, renowned pieces of art are approachable to people of all ages and backgrounds. For example, one doesn't need a degree in art to understand the majesty of van Gogh's Starry Night. Sure, the painting will evoke different thoughts and feelings for everyone, but each individual's understanding of the painting is valid. So while I appreciate Saltz's theory and enjoyed reading his opinion, I believe there are less abrasive ways of explaining his beliefs surrounding the purpose and meaning of art.