Manny Farber
Manny Farber: The Maverick Art Critic
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Manny Farber was born Meyer Hirschberg on January 24, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois. He is often referred to as Manny Farber by the art world.
Birth and Death Dates
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January 24, 1917 – September 18, 2006
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American art critic, painter, and educator.
Early Life and Background
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Manny Farber grew up in a Jewish family in Chicago. His father was a tailor who later became a successful businessman. Farber's early exposure to art came from his mother, who encouraged his creative pursuits. He began drawing at an early age and went on to study painting at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Farber's interest in art was not limited to painting; he also developed a passion for film. He attended the University of Chicago, where he studied English and philosophy. After graduating, Farber moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing and art criticism.
Major Accomplishments
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Art Criticism: Farber's writing appeared regularly in major publications such as _The Nation_ , _Partisan Review_ , and _Artforum_. He was known for his insightful and often provocative critiques of modern art.
Painting: As a painter, Farber worked in various styles, including abstract expressionism. His artwork has been exhibited at numerous galleries and museums worldwide.
Education: Farber taught painting at the Pratt Institute and later at the New York University.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Manny Farber's most notable works include:
"White Street" (1945), a painting that showcases his early interest in abstract expressionism.
"Farber on Abstract" (1956), an essay in which he critiques the then-popular style.
"The Painter as Critic: The Paintings of Manny Farber" (1979), a collection of essays that demonstrate his unique perspective on art.
Impact and Legacy
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Manny Farber's impact on the art world cannot be overstated. His writing continues to influence contemporary art criticism, and his paintings remain highly regarded by collectors and museums alike. As an educator, he inspired generations of artists and writers with his passion for creative expression.
Farber's most enduring legacy is perhaps his ability to think outside the box. He rejected the conventions of traditional art criticism and instead forged a new path that blended theory and practice. His innovative approach paved the way for future critics to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is considered "art".
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Manny Farber's influence extends beyond his writing and artwork; he is also remembered for his maverick spirit and willingness to question authority. His quotes, such as ""White painting... is the most exciting thing in contemporary art.", continue to inspire artists and writers today.
Farber's unconventional approach to art and criticism has left a lasting impact on the art world. As an artist, educator, and critic, he remains one of the most influential figures of his generation. His legacy serves as a reminder that true innovation often comes from challenging the norms and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Quotes by Manny Farber
Actually, what will be shown from here to eternity will be Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr cavorting on the beach. 'From Here to Eternity' must have seemed like a chore to its director, Fred Zinnemann.
Orson Welles’s second ‘I-did-it’ should show once and for all that film making, radio and the stage are three different guys better kept separated. ‘The Magnificent Ambersons’ is one of those versions of the richest family in town during the good old days.
Before seeing ‘The Pride of the Yankees,’ you may or may not know that the Yankees referred to are the ones who win the World Series each year. After seeing it you will find that the reference is indirect.
The cold, mean ‘Sunset Boulevard’ – a beautiful title, though I suspect it was shot on another boulevard – is further proof of the resurgence of art in the Hollywood of super-craftsmen with insuperable taste.
The new Disney cartoon ‘Bambi’ is interesting because it’s the first one that’s been entirely unpleasant.
I think it’s sinful to give the audience material it knows already, whether the material is about race relations or the car culture or the depiction and placement of a candy bar.
I think it's sinful to give the audience material it knows already, whether the material is about race relations or the car culture or the depiction and placement of a candy bar.
The cold, mean 'Sunset Boulevard' - a beautiful title, though I suspect it was shot on another boulevard - is further proof of the resurgence of art in the Hollywood of super-craftsmen with insuperable taste.
The Big Sleep' would have been a more effective study of nightmarish existence had the detective been more complicated and had more curiosity been shown about his sweetheart's relation to the crime.
The Big Sleep' is an unsentimental, surrealist excitement in which most of the men in Hollywood's underworld are murdered and most of the women go for an honest but not unwilling private sleuth (Humphrey Bogart).