"The good moral work of art should have all the qualities that a good amoral work of art should have, such as formal unity, balance, contrast, and a sensitivity to the material out of which it is made"
- Norman McLaren
About this Quote
This quote by Norman McLaren speaks with the value of art having both moral and amoral qualities. He suggests that a good ethical masterpiece need to have the exact same qualities as a great amoral work of art, such as formal unity, balance, contrast, and a level of sensitivity to the product out of which it is made. This suggests that art must be evaluated on its aesthetic qualities, regardless of its moral content. McLaren is highlighting the value of art being evaluated on its technical benefits, rather than its moral message. He is suggesting that art ought to be judged on its formal qualities, instead of its ethical material. This quote speaks to the value of art being judged on its technical benefits, instead of its moral message. It is a reminder that art ought to be evaluated on its visual qualities, instead of its ethical content.