Unit 1 What is a Critique?
What is a critique?
A critique is defined as a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory. More specifically, an art Critique is defined as an evaluation of a work of art.
Using that definition- a critique is one person or a group of people that focus on a piece of artwork and discuss what they observe. This ranges from something simple as the colors used, to interpreting the meaning of the work. When discussing art or critiquing art, the "critics" whether that be famous art critics, the general public, teachers or even students, focus on the elements and principles of art, the subject matter, the meaning and also their opinion of whether they like it or not and most importantly, why!
- Here is a great example of a high school level classroom critique. These students are critiquing each others' work using a gallery walk style where they move throughout the room to view each person's work. The teacher is facilitating the discussion and also has students use a worksheet to jot down and organize their thoughts. [[1]]
Why do we critique art?
We critique art for many different reasons.
1. We like to state our opinion
- We all have different opinions on artwork and like to express them, especially during a critique when it matters.
2. We like healthy discourse
- Along with having many different opinions, we also like to agree to disagree in a polite way
3. It develops our social interaction and public speaking skills
- Through healthy discourse, we are able to develop our social interaction skills on how to talk to one another in a collegiate manner. Through this social interaction we practice on how to speak to the public and add different vocabulary in our repertoire.
4. It's fun!
- Most of us are immediately drawn to certain art and want to talk about it. Especially artwork that has bright vivid colors or an interesting image. Have you ever walked through an art gallery or museum to discuss the artwork you see? What are some of the first things you notice about the artwork? What are some characteristics you focus on? Do you ask yourself what the artist is trying to communicate? Or why did they create this image? If you have not tried, I suggest you do!