Art Criticism

• A method of judging whether an

artwork is successful or unsuccessful.
• A formula for evaluating if an artwork
is a masterpiece.
 The Four Stages of
Art Criticism

• Describe
• Analyze
• Interpret
• Judge
Describe:
• List and describe what you see in an
artwork only stick to the facts,
not opinions. Include things like the
objects, people, shapes, and colors
within the composition. List the
information found in the credit line:
artist, title, date of work, and
medium.
Sandy Skoglund “The Green House”
1990, artificial grass, sculpted epoxy resin, live models
 Analyze:
how the elements and
• Determine
principles are used in the composition.
• For example:
Where is your attention drawn? (emphasis)
Where do you see repetition of objects,
shapes, lines, or colors? (rhythm, unity)
What kind of balance did the artist use?
Has the artist used any type of visual
texture?
How has the artist used color?
Sandy Skoglund “The Green House”
1990, artificial grass, sculpted epoxy resin, live models
Interpret
• Explain the meaning of the
artwork. At this point, you make
guesses on the work’s meaning or
mood based upon all of the information
gathered. Decide that the work says
to you as a viewer, which may not
necessarily match the artist’s intent.
Some interpretations about the same
work are completely different.
Sandy Skoglund “The Green House”
1990, artificial grass, sculpted epoxy resin, live models
Judge:
• Determine the quality,
successfulness, or importance
of the artwork.
• Aesthetic theories help to categorize
artworks in order to judge them more
effectively. They are:
imitationalism
formalism
expressionism
instrumentalism
institutionalism
Sandy Skoglund “The Green House”
1990, artificial grass, sculpted epoxy resin, live models
Duane Hanson
Tourists II
1988, autobody
filler,
fiberglass and
mixed
media, with
accessories
life size
Choose a sculpture to criticize
Each step requires at least one paragraph (write legible!)
List the page number from the book and the title of the work

1.Describe- List and describe what you see in an artwork only stick to
the facts, not opinions. Include things like the objects, people,
shapes, and colors within the composition.

2.Analyze- Determine how the elements and principles are used in

the composition.
• Describe at least four principles

3.Interpret - Explain the meaning of the artwork. At this point, you

make guesses on the work’s meaning or mood based upon all of the
information gathered.

4.Judge- Determine the quality, successfulness, or importance of

the artwork and thoroughly describe why you feel that way.