ART CRITICISM

discussion, evaluation,
interpretation, and
analysis of a work of art
1. Describe / what do you see/ involving the technical
description
- name of artist
- title of artwork
- type of artwork
- subject of the artwork
- objects in the artwork
- first impression
- colors, shapes, lines
“Sarimanok” pen and ink, 1975, MSU Marawi City
(ukkil, sakimanok, pako rabong, naga…)
2. Analyze – from a technical description to an in-depth
evaluation of how the elements were utilized to create an
overall impression (discovering relationships)
- line, shape, form, color, texture, light and shadow
- how the elements contribute to the mood, meaning
aesthetic sensation of the artwork

line shape color scale/ dimension texture

- flowing - organic - bold - large - smooth
- simple - geometric - vibrant - small - rough
- thick - angular - pale - monumental - coarse
- bold - elongated - subtle - Miniature - uneven
- thin - fine
3. Interpret the artwork/ what is it saying?
(figure out in meaning)
- Communicate the artist’s statement
- What is he trying to say?
- Expound on the feeling conveyed by the artwork
- Describe what the artwork means to you
- Explain what you feel is the artist’s intended purpose
of his work
- Identify symbols in the artwork and describe how
they relate to the artist’s technical choices and
contribute to the artist’s execution of the intended
purpose
“The Thinking Man”
Ang Kiukok
Oil on Canvas
45” x 35”
1977
4. Evaluation ( forming a judgement)
- Is it a quality piece of art? Why?
- How does it compare to similar works?
- Is the artist successful? Why?

Personal – Do you like the artwork?

Subjective – using specific theories
ex. Realism or showing a realistic presentation
Formalism in composition – using visual
elements and principles of design
Expressionism – concerned with the meaning
and content, does it arouse feelings

5. Reflection
“Kids of Hope”
Kublai Millan

Art Criticism
-Describe
-Analyze
-Interpret
-Evaluation
-Reflection