LECTURE 4

KRITIKA: ART AND STYLE OF CRITICISM

Art Criticism is the evaluation and analysis of works of art. It involves assessing the
aesthetic, conceptual, and cultural qualities of art to provide insight and perspective.
Art critics often discuss an artwork's form, content, style, and context, offering
interpretations, judgments, and contextual information. This helps both artists and
the audience better understand and appreciate art.

Purpose of Art Criticism

Art criticism helps us understand and appreciate art better. It's like a guide that
explains what a piece of art means, why it was made, and what makes it beautiful or
interesting. Critics share their thoughts and opinions about art to help us see it in
new ways, and this can lead to discussions and conversations about art. Art criticism
not only helps us enjoy art more but also helps artists improve by giving them
feedback, so they can make even better art in the future. It's like a bridge that
connects artists and the audience, making art more meaningful and exciting for
everyone.

4 Basic Elements of Art Criticism

Subject Matter: The subject matter refers to what the artwork is

depicting or representing. It's the content, theme, or narrative within the artwork.
Understanding the subject matter is essential for interpreting the message or story the
artist is conveying.

The Artist: The artist is a crucial element in art criticism. Examining

the artist's background, style, and intentions can provide insights into the creation
and meaning of the artwork. Knowledge of the artist's biography and their artistic
influences can also be valuable.
 The Audience: Considering the audience is important in art criticism
because different artworks may resonate differently with various viewers. How the
artwork might impact or engage its audience, as well as the cultural or historical
context of the viewers, can influence the interpretation and significance of the artwork.

The Aesthetic: Aesthetic considerations involve evaluating the visual

qualities of the artwork. This includes aspects like composition, color, texture,
balance, and overall visual appeal. Assessing the aesthetic quality of the artwork is
often a key part of the judgment or evaluation in art criticism.

These elements provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing and critiquing art,
taking into account both the intrinsic qualities of the artwork and the external factors
that shape its meaning and impact.

The Four ( 4 ) Basic Approach in Art Criticism

1. Subject Approach

The subject approach to art is criticism through the subject matter and is
also called mimetic approach. Respect to subject matter and art imitation and
depiction or representation of some aspect of nature of life and which is imitated or
represented in art's and it is subject matter and anything in universe may serve as the
subject of art and aspects of nature such as the sea, the sky, forests, mountains, and
also animals, and the human concern's in the real life experience and actions.

"Luncheon of the Party" Boating by Pierre-Auguste Renoir's

Subject Matter: The subject is a group of
people having lunch by the water.

Nature Imitation: The subject matter imitates

a leisurely scene along the river, with people
enjoying a meal and socializing.

Realism vs. Abstraction: Renoir's style leans

toward Impressionism, capturing the effects of
light and color on the subject matter, resulting
in a somewhat abstract, vibrant composition.
2. Artist Approach

Art being the means the artist uses in expressing himself, art therefore becomes
the extension of the artist. Through his work, we may be able to know objectively some
aspects of his person. In this type of approach, we stress the relationship of the artist
to his work. We give major consideration to the artist himself in appreciating his work,
both aesthetic norms and standards the he may suggest in his work. Through the
work or the series of works of the artist, he may have revealed his character, traits and
individuality. Revealed his philosophy, life story, beliefs, and other circumstance in life
which may have influenced in the creation of the work, such as his background, the
era during which lived or place of origin.

Picasso's Guernica

We know about Picasso a little from his painting

Guernica. If the artist is bias to the working class, his
work will inevitably reflect some sad economic realities
of life.

Picasso's Political Beliefs: The painting is a reflection of

Picasso's political beliefs and his desire to raise
awareness about the horrors of conflict.

3. Audience Approach

The audience to art criticism emphasizes on the value of the piece of art. The
function or significance of the subject to him or society is given importance. The
Spoliarum of Juan Luna may be viewed on us value to the Filipinos during his time. Its
essential value may be on it being a propaganda device, one device used the
propagandist (which Juan Luna was) used to influence the thinking of the people
(Filipinos).

“Spoliarium” Juan Luna

Propaganda Device

The Spolarium painting of Juan Luna is an

example of propaganda device which implies
to influence the thinking of Filipino. Luna’s
artwork aims to shape and influence the
audience values and beliefs in favor of the
leadership.
 In this approach, the intrinsic value of the artwork is given emphasis. If it is the
didactic value, religious value, and socio-political value

Didactic value
It will give emphasis on what is moral, how the work can help improve the moral
fiver of society.

"The School of Athens" by Raphael

Raphael represents a gathering of great

philosophers and thinkers in this famous
Renaissance work. The artwork's didactic value
comes from its capacity to inform and motivate
the audience about the value of knowledge,
philosophy, and the classical tradition.

Religious value
The work of art is supposed to increase awareness of man's relationship with God.

"The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci

This artwork aims to deepen the audiences
understanding of the biblical event and foster
spiritual reflection is indicative of its religious
value. It is essential to the upbringing and
practice of Christianity. This masterpiece
portrays the moment when Jesus shares his
last meal with his disciples.
Socio-political value
Increase awareness of man with his government, if it is about man's relationship
with his government. In this case, it should give emphasis on the socio-political value
of the work.

"Guernica" by Pablo Picasso

Picasso's "Guernica" has significant socio-

political value because it serves as a stark
reminder to the audience of the devastation
caused by war. This artwork is a reflection on
the effects of political unrest and violence as
well as a call to action.
4. Aesthetic Approach

The beauty of art rests on its form, it is how the subject matter is handled and
presented; how it is composed. Art, being a composition itself, consists of various
elements. The selection, organization and manipulation of the elements are done
according to how the artist sees beauty.

His way of the elements are done according to how the artist sees beauty. His
way of choosing the elements, his way of employing certain techniques serve as the
components that constitute the form of the work, which shall be discovered when
appreciating the art piece according to form or aesthetic approach. The audience may
start from the size, the shape, and the medium used. He looks for the artistic used
lines, colors, and shapes in creating images. He explores the quality of work given to
the work.

On the whole, when one tries to appreciate any work of art, he can do this only
when he has grasp or able to understand what the artist is trying to say (subject), how
the artist is able to say it beautifully (the form), whether the work is influenced by the
character traits or background of the artist (artist), and the value that the arts has to
the audience (audience).

Example:

Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night"

When analyzing this famous painting, viewers
might focus on the dynamic swirling lines, the
vibrant and contrasting colors, and the unique
brushwork that creates a sense of movement
and emotion. The aesthetic approach helps in
understanding the artistic choices that make
this work visually striking.