The Cruel Practice of Art

The painter is condemned to please. By no means can he transform a painting into an object of aversion.The purpose of a scarecrow is to frighten birds from the field where it is planted,but the most terrifying painting is there to attract visitors.
Art may have finally liberated itself from the service of religion but it maintains its servitude with regard to horror. It remains open to the representation of that which repulses. (Georges Bataille)