[SeeSharp]

I have also heard it argued that realistic art was killed off for half a century precisely because of the appreciation Hitler and Stalin had for it. That is why, so the argument goes, we have had to put up with dots and smears masquerading as art for so long.

[Antoninus]

I have also heard it argued that realistic art was killed off for half a century precisely because of the appreciation Hitler and Stalin had for it. That is why, so the argument goes, we have had to put up with dots and smears masquerading as art for so long.

I personally think the real reason is because 1.) world leaders came to view art as a weapon, not simply to raise the morale of your own people with positive images, music, etc., but to demoralize the enemy with negative, shapeless, meaningless image and music. And 2.) because of socialism which does not reward true merit but emphasizes "equality" of outcome and advancement based on seniority, cronyism or some other non-merit based criterion.

You can still find outstanding music and art being made out there. You just have to go digging for it. Don't expect our media to point you toward it.

[reg45]

I have also heard it argued that realistic art was killed off for half a century precisely because of the appreciation Hitler and Stalin had for it.

Hitler, Stalin, and Mao ZeDong as well all breathed oxygen. That did not cause the civilized world to start breathing chlorine in response.