ABSTRACT
In this chapter I want to move from a focus primarily on Stanley – his biography, his being inspired by a passionate memory, his belief in love and redemption – to one that juxtaposes Stanley’s voice against those of the many commentators and critics who have written about him, both during his life-time and since, providing opinions about him and his art. My purpose is to reflect on the consistency of this critical reaction, and its character, and to consider the ways and extents it can be said to be consistent with Stanley’s own opinions of himself. What kind of communication has Stanley had with an art-critical audience? What kind of conversation did that audience have with itself – what kinds of things did it want to say and claim to know about Stanley and his art?
