CRITICAL THINKING FOR

UNDERSTANDING ART
Modeling the Critique Process
WHAT IS A CRITIQUE?
A critique is the process of discussion by which we examine and
evaluate creative works.

A critique can be done alone, with a few people, or in a large group.

Critiques might be about your work, your classmates’ work, or a

famous piece that is made by someone you do not know.
WHAT DO WE CRITIQUE?
Critiques can be applied to any creative endeavor:
● Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Performance Art,
Installations, Digital Art, Film, Fashion & Costume Design, etc.
● Performing Arts: Dance, Musical Compositions, Vocal Performances,
Instrumental Performances, Acting, Playwriting, Directing, Stage Design,
Sound Design, etc!
● Writing
● Cuisine
Can you think of more areas to critique?
WHY DO WE CRITIQUE?
● To understand creative works
● To improve our own work and inspire new work
● To help others understand and improve their work
● To fully experience a creative work

A critique is not meant to be negative.

A good critique is honest and constructive.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
This was made with skill because…

I can identify _____ skills used to create this

piece…
CRAFTSMANSHIP EXAMPLES
This was made with skill because…

I can identify _____ skills used to create this piece…

Carrie Mae Weems, Self Portrait, photograph, 2002

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKezUd_xw20
CREATOR’S IDEAS
The ideas in this piece are interesting because…

I think this was made with _____ purpose

because …

I imagine the thought process/intent of the

creator was _____ because …
CREATOR’S IDEAS EXAMPLES
The ideas in this piece are interesting because…
I think this was made with _____ purpose because … I’m Nobody! Who are you? (260)
I imagine the thought process/intent of the creator was _____ Emily Dickinson, 1830 - 1886
because …
I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! they’d advertise – you know!

How dreary – to be – Somebody!

How public – like a Frog –
To tell one’s name – the livelong June –
To an admiring Bog!

Dorothea Tanning, On Time Off Time, 1948

COMPARISON
This differs from _______ because…

This is similar to ________ because…

COMPARISON EXAMPLES
This differs from _______ because…

This is similar to ________ because…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRlUwaNwY4c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JjLuh4Ns7s
EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

This makes me feel ______ because…

I imagine this piece might make others feel

__________ because…
EMOTIONAL RESPONSE EXAMPLES
This makes me feel ______ because…
I imagine this piece might make others feel __________ because…

Louise Bourgeois, Maman (Mother), 1999 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIqbv7SPo

QUESTIONS

I don’t understand this because…

I wonder what the creator was thinking here

because…
QUESTION EXAMPLES
I don’t understand this because…

I wonder what the creator was thinking here

because…

Marc Chagall, Paris Through the Window, 1913

Jenny Holzer,Truisms, Times Square, NY, LED display, 1970’s

INSPIRATION

This piece inspires me to _______ because…

I have an idea to create ______ because…

INSPIRATION EXAMPLES
This piece inspires me to _______ because…

I have an idea to create ______ because…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJdJIwCF_Y
FORMAL PRINCIPLES

I can describe this with words from class like …

This relates to our class/lesson because…

FORMAL PRINCIPLES EXAMPLES
I can describe this with words from class like …

This relates to our class/lesson because…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Up6esqYMGU Raphael, School of Athens, Fresco, Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, 1509-1511
CONNECTIONS

This reminds me of_____ because…

This is related to ______ because…

CONNECTIONS EXAMPLES
This reminds me of_____ because…

This is related to ______ because…

Stuart Mortimer, Squid Series #2,

Arthur Dove, 1941, wax emulsion on canvas, 1941 pink ivory, ebony wood, 2002
SUGGESTIONS TO STRUCTURE A
CRITIQUE
● Class discussion
● Pair discussion
● Self-evaluation
● Written responses
o used to structure an essay
o short statements on post-its
o checklist with comments