I wouldn't say the author's intended message or skill doesn't matter at all [0]. While how it makes you feel is what ultimately matters most, the author's thoug

I wouldn't say the author's intended message or skill doesn't matter at all [0]. While how it makes you feel is what ultimately matters most, the author's thoughts/intentions/context can and should significantly affect the meaning you take from the artwork [1]. To completely ignore original intent would be like using "exception proves the rule" at face value (one of my personal pet peeves). [0]: Directly interpreted from "all that matters". [1]: I'd also agree that people get caught up in the who/how and lose sight of just enjoying things, which is clearly what the quote was trying to convey.