Discussion #6 - Critique

CRITIQUE (kri TEEK)
1. A critical review or commentary, especially dealing with art
2. A critical discussion of a specific topic
3. The art of criticism



A critique, or crit, for short, is a staple part of art education. It is a chance to examine work in a unique situation, pulled out, or separated from usual experience for a more focused evaluation.
There are many forces at work in critique - the culture of the maker, the culture of the viewer, the language of the critic, the context of the viewing, and so on. A critique should be a dialogue that encourages participation from all interested parties. In some cases this is a literal dialogue, or conversation between participants. Even when this is not the case, for instance when a critique is published in a magazine, a responsible reader will "talk back" to the critic as a means of clarifying a personal opinion.

Because criticism is largely (but not entirely) based on comparison, critique must take place within a context. To say, "This is good" begs the question, "Compared to what?" or "Good for what?" We critique, for example, Michelangelo's paintings and find them to be good , within the unspoken parameters of Western ideals of the human figure, a Renaissance understanding of Christianity, and the confines of the medium.

Though one meaning of criticism has a negative connotation ("You're always criticizing me!") the more common usage does not imply a negative response, but simply a straightforward, deliberate consideration of the value of a work. A critic is not a person who doesn't like anything, but a person with special skills of evaluation.



Name something you know enough about to critique someone else's skills (e.g. painting, soccer, cooking, party planning.) How do you determine whether someone is "good" at it?


How would you feel comfortable critiquing other peoples artwork or having your owe art critiques. do you think feedback from other people will help you grow as an artist?