This class is designed to prepare students to critically analyze their artwork and that of others. A thoughtful critical response uses objective criteria on which to base opinions instead of personal taste alone. Students will be given specific critique guidelines in advance of each critique date.
Students are expected to actively participate during the critiques. Participation can be verbal and/or written (type comments in the chat).
While your work is being critiqued, take notes– the feedback you receive during your critique is valuable (and required for reworked projects). For those who are unable to take written notes, please contact me in advance to discuss other options.
Questions to consider during critique:
- What concepts/themes come to mind?
- How does the work relate to (popular, mainstream, avant-garde) culture at large?
- How does the work relate to other artworks? (movements, specific artists, creative projects)
- How does the formal execution (materials, mark/line quality, value, composition, etc.) influence, affect and intersect with the subject matter?
Goals/Etiquette:
- Learn to speak about ALL types of works – even ones that do not mirror your aesthetic
- Be generous – give the kind of feedback you wish to receive
- The premise of critique is that the group can bring insight to the student about what their work evokes in others.
- Ideally, students leave each critique as better artists, with new understandings of their work and process.
A critique is an opportunity for an artist and their peers to discuss a work of art.
It provides valuable insight, not just to the artist but also to the critics.
A critique is descriptive and analytical. Say things like “the first thing I see is” or “this piece makes me think about.” Back up your analysis by describing the artist’s use of visual elements like color, value, line, texture, shape, composition, etc.
A critique is not a judgement. Try not to use words like good, bad, interesting, and nice.
WATCH: How to Critique | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios (~7min)
LINK: https://youtu.be/9neybpOvjaQ
Josephine Halvorson Gets the Conversation Going | Art21 | New York Close Up (~6min)