L'art pour l'art

What is "L'art pour l'art"?

It is a french slogan from 19th century. I am sure you are familiar to its english translation: "Art is for art's sake." Well of course this idea have been criticized by artists and philosophers and it is still critisizable.

In my opinion, the best crituqe could be done by analyzing the question "Is art functional?".
As an artist, my view does not believe in the functionality of art. Art is not craft!

In his 1891 essay "The Soul of Man Under Socialism", Oscar Wilde greatly explains my idea on art and maybe yours:
"A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Its beauty comes from the fact that the author is what he is. It has nothing to do with the fact that other people want what they want. Indeed, the moment that an artist takes notice of what other people want, and tries to supply the demand, he ceases to be an artist, and becomes a dull or an amusing craftsman, an honest or dishonest tradesman. He has no further claim to be considered as an artist." (witcombe.sbc.edu)

What is not "L'art pour l'art"?
-a French slang

Useful titles for "Art is for art's sake"?
Art for art's sake or just for resale? rics.org
Art for Art's Sake? nvs.sagepub.com

Freedom brings the concept "Art is for art's sake".

References:
http://witcombe.sbc.edu/modernism/artsake.html