Reference no: EM132442759

Art Criticism

• The process of art criticism involves description, formal analysis, interpretation, and value judgment. The first step is to put into words a description of what you see, then formally analyzing the visual elements and principles of design. Next, subjectively interpret (hopefully with new insight) what the content is, taking into account style. Finally, judging, and going beyond prejudging to discernment, the work of art being studied; what do you think the artist's intentions were? Was this communicated? Does it have value? Can you recognize the aesthetic quality in the work? Additionally, biographical or historical information should be offered. Therefore, education and evaluation help to creatively critique a work of art.

• Responses to artworks based on value judgment alone are not necessarily based on comprehension but simple subjectivity. As it states in the book Artforms (2009), "If we close our eyes and minds to new work that is hard to understand, we will miss the opportunity to learn from fresh insights."

Select an Art Gallery or Museum

1. Select two photographs that you can compare and contrast
2. Describe each work as carefully as possible, using all the skills of description you have learned. Describe the medium, technique, period, subject, and treatment of the subject.
3. Explain the reason you selected these two works. Are there any connections between them? If not, how are they completely different?