How to Participate in Critique

Bruce  Mackh,  PhD  

—  Whenever  we  perceive  an  object,  we  engage  in  

varying  levels  of  criticism  and  critique.      

 

—  This  happens  immediately,  unconsciously,  

emotionally,  and  intellectually.    

—  Encounter   —  Judge   —  Interpret   —  Analyze   —  Evaluate    

—  The  audience  member  is  confronted  by  an  object*    

—  The  encounter  may  last  only  a  moment.    The  

audience  then  chooses  either  to:  

 

—  Continue  to  attend  to  the  object—OR—     —  Disregard  the  object.  

  *object:  anything  perceivable  by  the  senses,  such  as  an   image,  text,  performance,  event,  or  artifact    

—  We  make  an  immediate  decision  about:    

—  whether  we’re  interested  in  the  object  and/or   —  whether  we  like  or  dislike  the  object.    

  —  Our  reaction  is  spontaneous  and  qualitative:    

—  It  is  based  on  prior  knowledge,  experience,  personality  or  

taste;   —  It  is  emotional/intuitive,  not  logical/rational.  

 

—  We  make  intuitive  connections  between  the  object  

and  our  personal  experience  or  prior  knowledge.  

—  These  connections  allow  us  to  identify  the  object  and  

perceive  its  message  or  meaning.  

  —  If  we  have  no  prior  knowledge  or  experience,  

interpretation  fails.    We  cannot  understand  the  object   or  perceive  the  message.  

—  Once  we  think  we  understand  the  object  and  have  

discerned  its  meaning,  we  refine  our  judgment  and   interpretation  by  looking  more  closely.  

—  At  this  stage  of  the  process  intellect  is  engaged,  

emotion  is  scaled  back,  and  we  can  consider  external   data  and  information  linked  to  the  object.  

  —  If  no  additional  input  is  available,  we  might  choose  to  

seek  it  through  a  third  source  (informal  research  to   enhance  comprehension).  

—  Although  judgment  is  an  immediate  and  emotional  

reaction  to  the  object,  evaluation  is  the  intellectual,   deliberate  formation  of  an  informed,  rational  opinion   regarding  the  object.  

  —  As  the  result  of  interpretation  and  analysis,  evaluation  

may  contradict  judgment:  what  we  first  judged  negatively   may  receive  a  positive  evaluation  or  vice-­‐versa.  

  —  Evaluation  typically  takes  more  time  than  prior  levels  of  

the  critique  process.  

—  Encounter:    the  artist  presents  the  work  and  we  all  

consider  it  carefully.  

 

—  Judge:  we  form  a  first  impression  of  the  work.    

—  Interpret:  we  look  more  closely  and  decide  what  we  

think  the  artist  was  trying  to  communicate.  

 

—  Analyze:  we  consider  the  elements  and  principles  of  

art  as  they  apply  to  this  particular  creative  product.  

 

—  Evaluate:  we  think  about  our  analysis  and  prepare  to  

comment  on  the  artist’s  work.  

—  Be  honest,  but  not  unkind.  Try  to  frame  your  remarks  using  

positive  language  whenever  possible.  

—  Be  certain  to  provide  a  reason  or  explanation  for  every  

comment.    Avoid  unsupported  opinions  or  empty  statements   such  as,  “You  did  a  really  good  job”  or  “I  don’t  like  it.”  

—  Focus  on  the  artist’s  application  of  craft,  technique,  process,  

and  presentation  and  how  these  aspects  affect  the   communication  of  the  artist’s  message  or  purpose  in  the  work.  

  —  Focus  on  the  artwork,  not  the  artist.  

—  Encounter:    without  speaking,  closely  observe  the  collage  as  a  whole.   —  Judge:    determine  whether  your  first  impression  is  favorable  or  unfavorable.   —  Interpret:  look  more  deeply  at  the  work  and  attempt  to  discern  the  artist’s  

message,  the  meaning  of  the  work,  or  its  intended  purpose.  

—  Analyze:    Consider  issues  of  craft,  technique,  process,  and  presentation.  Has  

this  work  been  rendered  with  skill?    Is  the  meaning  or  message  clearly   represented  by  the  work?    Which  of  the  elements  or  principles  of  art  are  the   most  or  least  effective  in  this  work?    (see  next  slide)  

—  Evaluate:    Do  you  feel  that  this  collage  effectively  communicates  the  artist’s  

message?    Why  or  why  not?  What  is  the  most  successful  aspect  of  this  collage?     What  is  the  least  successful  aspect  of  this  collage?    How  would  you   recommend  that  it  be  improved,  if  at  all?  

—  Line  

—  Pattern    

—  Shape  

—  Rhythm/movement  

—  Color  

—  Proportion/scale  

—  Value    

—  Balance    

—  Form    

—  Unity/harmony  

—  Texture    

—  Emphasis    

—  Space/perspective  

—  Contrast    

 

Considering  the  Elements  and  Principles  of  Art  is  especially  helpful   when  reflecting  for  the  purpose  of  critique.  And,  remember,  practice   makes  perfect…or  thereabouts.