Week 14

In the book, "Criticizing Art", Terry Barrett suggests using four criteria for writing about art. First,describe the work, it's subject-matter,medium,and form as well as including some information about the artist,location and dates of the exhibition.Secondly,interpret the work.What is it about? Can one place it in the context of other art work and influences? Third,judge the work .This may include an assessment of the worth of an object based on certain criteria such as Formalism or Instrumentalism or a combination of criteria chosen by the critic.Fourth, place the work in the larger context of critical theory. Try to develop a point of view,and generate meaning through interpretation.In a group show,look for themes,as well as noting how the work was selected and by whom.Try to increase appreciation by maintaining a generally positive tone.Careful observation can improve ones' knowledge of art and its place in our culture.