It is possible but unlikely. Of course, the idea of the "heel" [1] is well-established. But I find it hard to believe someone with an established career as a sober art critic would volunteer for the kind of negative attention this brought.
I do believe that sometimes these kind of antagonistic partnerships could arise spontaneously. For example, the art critic may find his own tribe standing up for him. That may goad him into looking for a similar reaction from other art influencers in an attempt to forward his own career. However, that doesn't require coordination between them or conspiracy.
I do believe that sometimes these kind of antagonistic partnerships could arise spontaneously. For example, the art critic may find his own tribe standing up for him. That may goad him into looking for a similar reaction from other art influencers in an attempt to forward his own career. However, that doesn't require coordination between them or conspiracy.
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heel_(professional_wrestling)