EN
Kazimierz-Kelles Krauz, a late-19th century Polish sociologist, used Marxism as the basis for his concept of radically democratic art, according to which anyone who creates for the sake of pleasure and emotion is an artist. His idea of art is not for or against the elites, or for its own sake, but “without ideals,” it is art inspired by society in order to transcend it. As such, this art is socially useless and potentially subversive, yet as a sphere of freedom it helps maintain social order. Kelles-Krauz’s reflections remain particularly relevant today, as we observe art being used to both emphasize and undermine clashing social values.