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Art Criticism and Final Exam

20 Questions to ask of a work of art for the practice of Art Criticism

I. Description: Visual Inventory

1. What do you see? What is going on? How would you describe this work to someone not present?
2. Can you name or list objects places or people in this work?
3.1-low would you describe shapes, spaces, colors and tenures in this art work?
4. What interests you about this work? Is there a recognizable focus to the work? What would you remember most about the work?
5. Does the work remind you of something you have seen or experienced before?

II. Formal Analysis: Relationships, arrangements, composition…how parts work together.

6. What art materials, media, techniques has the artist used in the creation of this art work?
7. What are some of the dominant shapes, expressive forms, color schemes and textures which carry significance in this art work?
8. Has the artist done anything special with the use of he art elements (line, shape, value, tenure, color, form, space)
9. Is the work ordered/balanced? or is it chaotic/disturbing? What makes for order or chaos? Would you use words such as unity, variety, contrast, balance, movement. rhythm to describe formal characteristics of this work?
10. Is this work well executed? What evidence can you cite to support quality of execution and technique? What gives the work its uniqueness?

III. Interpretation: Theme and meaning

11. What is your general impression of this work? What do you suppose this work is about?
12. What did the artist want us to think about? Why did the artist create this work? What would you “title” this work?
13. Do you think the artist has successfully gotten his/her message across?
14. Does the work evoke any feelings? How does it make you feel? What do you ascribe this feeling to.. .the theme, the use of color, shape, the artists techniques?
15. Has the artist used “symbolism” to convey meaning other than what one sees? Would you want to know more about this work?

IV. Judgment: Knowledgeable opinions, experience supported evaluations

16. Would you agree or disagree that this work is a significant success? What is some of the evidence for your judgment?
17. Does this work make you want to see more of this artists work? How does this work compare with this artists other work?
18. Is this work a significant work in context of art of its time?
19. Would you “value” this work, and if you could, would you like to own this work?
20. Would you commit some time and effort to learn what others have said about this work? And in the meanwhile suspend your judgment about the artwork?

This will be an at home research/writing based project that will use all the language and concepts you should have learned throughout the year.

You have researched many different periods of art history, hopefully you have found some work that you really find interesting. For your last investigation of the year you will need to find an artist that you love.. .or at least admire!

You may select from any period of art history. Your selection should be based on the fact that you do indeed really like the work and NOT because it’s easy information to find!!! Once you have selected your artist you will need to have it approved, this must be done not later than 4/3. You will write a short statement explaining why you want to learn more about this particular artist.

Selection must be a reputable (known) artist. Beware: not everyone on the web is reputable or well known.

Use the Critical Performance handout to help you develop ideas. This should be 3 to 4 pages in length, typed (of course!), with citations where necessary and an additional bibliography page.

Also included must be 3 to 5 visual references, art works which you will refer to in your writing.