The Value of Reading Good Criticism

Insightful text about the value to readers of criticism of artwork.

(Source: Barrett, Terry, 2006,  Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images, 4th edn.  pp. 14-15)

"The value of reading good criticism is increased knowledge and appreciation of art. Reading about art with which we are unfamiliar increases our knowledge. If we already know and appreciate an artwork, reading someone else's view of it may expand our own if we agree, or it may intensify our own if we choose to disagree and formulate counterarguments."

[Two paragraphs omitted here]

"If the process of criticism is personally valuable even for frequently published, professional critics, then it is likely that there are considerable advantages for others who are less experienced with criticizing art. An immediate advantage of thoughtful engagement with an artwork is that the observer's viewing time is slowed down and measurably prolonged. This point is obvious but important: Most people visit museums consider an artwork in less than five seconds. Five seconds of viewing compared to hours and hours of crafting by the artist seems woefully out of balance. Considering descriptive, interpretive, and evaluative questions about an artwork ought to significantly expand one's awareness of an artwork and considerably alter one's perception of the work."

"In criticizing an art object for a reader or viewer, critics must struggle to translate their complex jumble of thoughts and feelings about art into words that can be understood first by themselves and then by others. Everyday viewers of art can walk away from a picture or an exhibit with minimal responses, unarticulated feelings, or incomplete thoughts. Critics who view artworks as professionals, however, have a responsibility to struggle with meaning and address questions that the artwork poses or to raise questions that the artwork does not."

"Critics usually consider artworks from a broader perspective than the single picture or the single show. they put the work in a much larger context of other woks y the artist, works by other artists of the day, and art of the past. they are able to do this because they see much more art than does the average viewer–they consider art for a living. their audiences will not be satisfied with one-word responses, quick dismissals, or empty praises. Critics have to argue for their positions and base their arguments on the artwork and how they understand it. Viewers who consider art in that way that a critic would consider it will likely increase their own understanding and appreciation of art–that is the goal and the reward."