CRITICAL WRITING I : DESCRIPTION / INTEPRETATION WORKSHEET

“Works of art are always about something.”

- Terry Barrett

DEFINITION: A critical descriptive interpretation presents an understanding of a work of art in its

strongest light, making it as interesting to the reader as the work itself allows. Such descriptions seek
to be convincing, in both the way they are written and the evidence they provide.

According to Terry Barrett:

1) All art is about other art.

2) All art is affected by the culture in which it exists.
3) Writing about a new artist allows you to begin the dialogue.

==================================================================================

DIRECTIONS:

1) Choose one artwork from class presentation to write a descriptive interpretation about.
- Cai Guo Qiang, Black Ceremony, 2011, gunpowder
- Marina Abramović, The Artist Is Present, 2010, performance
- Sam Taylor Wood, Still Life, 2001, video
- Patricia Piccinini, The Young Family, 2002-3, silicone, acrylic, plywood, human hair, leather,
timber
- Banksy, One Nation Under CCTV, 2008, paint on city wall (Oxford Street, London)

2) Using about 30 minutes, take notes in each of the areas below.

3) Use these notes to write 3-5 paragraphs describing and interpreting the artwork. The
paragraphs will be exchanged with another member of the class, commented on by them
and then returned to you for revision/expansion. The finished descriptive interpretive
paper (2-3 pages) will be handed in.

INTERNAL INFORMATION (OBSERVATIONS ABOUT WHAT IS IN THE WORK ITSELF)

1) Subject (identify persons, objects, places and events in the art)

Subject Matter (meaning, symbolism, message or narratives work implies)

 2) Medium (specific materials and techniques used; size; presentation)

3) Form (formal elements; for example, is the work realistic? Or abstract?; color usage;
composition; kind and level of expression; etc.)

EXTERNAL INFORMATION (relevant information suggested from observing the work)

1) Biographical facts about the artist (gender, age, nationality, education, life experiences,
other works by the artist)

2) Social/political/historical Context (relevant information about the time period during

which the work was produced)
 CRITICAL WRITING I : DESCRIPTION / INTEPRETATION EVALUATION

(2-3 pages)

DESCRIPTION/INTERPRETATION (20 POINTS)

Description is accurate, lively and engaging. Writer is enthusiastic and actively persuades the
reader to experience their feelings about the work. Elements in the work are discussed with
insight. Description is based on general value, rather than personal biases or preferences.

INFORMATION WITHIN THE WORK: SUBJECT/SUBJECT MATTER (20 POINTS)

The subject is described and its meaning is interpreted. The writer distinguishes between subject
(outward appearance) and subject matter (inward meaning/symbolism) and discusses relationship
between them.

INFORMATION WITHIN THE WORK: MEDIUM (20 POINTS)

Specific materials in the work are identified. Dimensions and presentation are noted. Choice of
materials and techniques is evaluated. There is an exploration of how the medium might affect
the viewer’s reaction to the work.

INFORMATION WITHIN HE WORK: FORM (20 POINTS)

Appropriate discussion of how important formal elements are in the work and how they are used
to evoke a response from the viewer.

EXTERNAL INFORMATION (NOT VISIBLE) (20 POINTS)

Further research on relevant facts about the artist’s biography, education, interests, etc. Place the
work within its historical context. The art work’s relationship to its discipline and genre, other
objects in art history, etc. is used for interpretation.

OVERALL EVALUATION (100 POINTS)