The phrase "art whipping boy" is an interesting combination of words that can be a bit confusing to spell. To break it down phonetically, we can use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to help understand the pronunciation. The word "art" is pronounced /ɑːrt/, with a long "ah" sound followed by a rolled "r" and a "t" at the end. "Whipping" is pronounced /ˈwɪpɪŋ/, with emphasis on the first syllable and a short "i" sound. "Boy" is pronounced /bɔɪ/, with a "b" followed by a diphthong of "o" and "i." Together, "art whipping boy" is pronounced /ɑːrt ˈwɪpɪŋ bɔɪ/.
The term "art whipping boy" refers to an individual or a particular artwork that is unjustly blamed or criticized for the perceived shortcomings or failures of the broader art world or artistic community. It denotes a scapegoat or target used to deflect or direct criticism away from more prominent figures or prevalent issues within the realm of art.
The concept of an "art whipping boy" emerged from the historical notion of a "whipping boy," who would suffer punishment in place of a young prince. In the art context, this concept implies that a specific artist or artwork is unfairly singled out as a symbol of everything that is perceived to be wrong with contemporary art.
Art whipping boys may be chosen because their work is unconventional, challenging, or controversial, deviating from traditional artistic norms or popular tastes. They may also be artists who have gained attention or success through unconventional means, which can provoke envy or resentment from other members of the art community.
Due to the subjective nature of art, the designation of an "art whipping boy" can be subjective as well, varying across different art circles, critics, or periods. The usage of this term highlights the tendency within the art world to place blame on specific individuals or artworks, often disregarding the complex, multifaceted factors that influence artistic production, reception, and trends.