[uniqueid]

I think the art itself represents the 'ivory tower' in the art world more than this essay about it. Look at the past century in the art world... Duchamp's toilet, 'Piss Christ', Warhol's art films starring cross-dressers and druggies, Carolee Schneemann’s 'Interior Scroll', Maplethorpe's 'golden shower' photos. There's no shocking anyone now. Some Russian artist literally nailed his balls to Red Square a couple years back.

I think there are some decent points in your comment, but on a gut level I figure the author just found some of this artist's examples cringeworthy and I relate a little.