Mary Andrews
“Diversity of opinion about a work of art shows that the work is new, complex, and vital.” – Oscar Wilde
I wholeheartedly agree with the above aphorism from the preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891). To illustrate the validity of this statement in today’s society, it is important to use modern day examples.
Today, we see music stir up a good amount of controversy. Music is an art form and an important one because it is a medium for artists to verbalize their thoughts on political topics. However, this often leads to pushback from society when the ideas presented may seem “too new” or “complex”. One work of art that had a widespread impact on society with the topics it addressed is Childish Gambino’s 2018 song “This Is America”. Bridging a connection between Oscar Wilde and Childish Gambino may seem impossible but, like I said, using recent examples to examen the aphorism Wilde makes is essential. “This Is America” is a political protest song that speaks out about the horrible treatment of African Americans in the United States. In the music video, there are references to police brutality and mass shootings (including a reference to the devastating Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston). When the song and accompanying music video came out, many publicly opposed it because it was loudly calling out racism in America. The fact that it sparked so many diverse opinions, like Wilde said, “shows that the work is new, complex, and vital”.
Turning our focus to film may also assist in driving home Wilde’s aphorism. A very recent example of film controversy over subject matter is the 2023 Barbie movie. At first glance, the film appears to be a movie about actual Barbie dolls for kids. However, feminist director Greta Gerwig recognized her target audience (young girls) and designed the film to show the value of women in society. The controversy and differing opinions began rolling in from critics, award show hosts, and regular people alike. The different opinions go to show Gerwig’s point in that women are mistreated and often oppressed in modern day society. Her work being so controversial means that it succeeded in its mission of empowering women across the world.
Both of the above listed examples of unconventional works of art that caused opinions to differ truly represent what Wilde was trying to verbalize. As literary scholars, we know that Wilde himself published The Picture of Dorian Gray and it, too, raised many questions and opinions about homosexuality in a time where it was not accepted at all. One idea holds true throughout all of these examples: it is important that artists, whether they be authors, directors, musicians, etc., address uncomfortable or controversial topics in their works of art. It is not until the art is created and released that a movement is made to widely accept new ideas. When a work of art is pushing the boundaries, it is changing the world.
This post really highlights how art can be so powerful in changing, or at least sparking, conversation about differing opinions in society. I really loved how you tied in the use of politics through art in the song, “This Is America,” by Childish Gambino and the role of feminism in the “Barbie” movie. I agreed with the fact that art can be used in many different ways other than enjoyment and entertainment, such as to inspire political or cultural change.
Hi Mary,
I completely agree with your post and feel that “This is America” is a great example to support Wilde’s aphorism. I remember when the music video came out and basically created an uproar within the media. Some people loved its message, others detested the violence it projected. But I think the conversations it spurred proves how important it is within society.
This is a great post and I agree. On the surface, different forms of art can be one thing, but there is often a deeper meaning. I also think with music in particular while the artist may have had one intent, the listeners give a different meaning to the song. Art is very interpretive (whether on purpose or not) and that is what makes it so amazing. Different paintings, songs, books, etc that evoke different emotions and analysis’s are truly amazing and intriguing.