Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

This morning I read a review in the New York Times of an art show at the Guggenheim in Manhattan.  Accompanied by many photos of paintings in the show, Hollander Cotter described succinctly and beautifully the power and presence of Agnes Martin's paintings.  Reading it, I felt she was expressing the inexpressible.  She offered words for me to articulate my passion for Martin's work.  Right speech as art criticism honors the artist and work and also the viewer.  And if the language is not true to the work, then silence in viewing is better:  let the viewer feel and appreciate what she can.  There is so much respect in this article that it elevates the discussion.  And not because the art critic has been blinded by shock and awe, but because she sees clearly all the elements of a complex life and product.  And best of all, her words make me want to get on a plane and see the show, today!  An artist is indeed fortunate when the critic is so scrupulous and delicate, yet not fancy or trendy or market oriented.  Get the viewer to the art and guide gently so the work can be experienced not just in the head but in the heart and in the mystery of the interaction of the two.