In-Class Critiques
An essential part of learning to be an artist and a creator is developing the ability to think critically and to reflect on your own practice. We will be having critiques once or twice a month, in order to 'check in' and to get feedback from your community.
Although the word "critique" comes from the word critical, this is not an exercise in judging the artwork of others! During crits, we will do some serious LOOKING... and question most of what we thought we knew about art (and about most other things!). We will focus on three areas of discussion:
Although the word "critique" comes from the word critical, this is not an exercise in judging the artwork of others! During crits, we will do some serious LOOKING... and question most of what we thought we knew about art (and about most other things!). We will focus on three areas of discussion:
- The Aesthetics: talking about what we notice about the artwork visually. This can include its formal qualities (colour, shape, form, texture, space, composition, balance, contrast, emphasis, proportion, etc.) but also how it was made, the materials it's constructed with, etc.
- The Concept: discussing ideas that come from the piece, the thinking behind the work, the theme, ideas, and processes that was involved. Relating the piece to ourselves, our communities and our world.
- The Context: understanding the circumstances in which the art piece was made -the who, what, where, when, and why of the art. We will also speak, here, about the way it has been presented or displayed - and think like curators to make plans as to when, where and how other viewers could (or should) see the piece.
