Critiques are constructive assessments of a piece or pieces of art to determine its quality in technique, meaning, and proficiency, and to offer suggestions as to how to improve the body of work. Critiques often assess if the artist achieved their goals in artmaking, but also consider the artwork at face value.
I most related to Jess’ critique of her island and projection because I intend to do something with similar media, at my current stage of production at least. Understanding how people viewed a projection on an object was helpful, and offering my own suggestions as to how the shape of the projection informed the object helped me brainstorm for my own projects.
The most challenging critique so far for me was Haley’s found object critique because I do not personally connect with her methods or her concept. I thought her concept was veiled and weak, and I was not sure how to properly address her art. I also do not personally connect with found objects staged in a commercial way — I think that claiming that as art for a senior show might be too simplified. I did not agree that that was a strong enough concept to be put in a gallery, but I did not want to offend the artist or those who were defending the artwork.
I used to believe that the artist’s intentions for their artwork were primary and should be heavily considered in a critique, but I’m starting to realize that the viewer’s intentions are just as valid. The artist may have made something that works better out of their subconscious motives than their conscious intentions, and the viewer may pick up on that better than the artist can. Therefore, the artist and the viewer should view each other humbly as equals and take each other’s opinions into consideration.
Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not? What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation?
I have tried my best to be an active engager in critiques, even though I usually have work to do immediately that night. Even if I am looking at my computer, I am actively listening to what other people are saying, and I don’t hesitate to contribute or refute an opinion that I find necessary to share. I even feel as though maybe I overshare my opinion and add to the noise of our critiques, so maybe I ought to let other people speak more. I do not want to overpower the conversation, as I sometimes tend to do.
What does it mean to you to make art in a community? How does artwork made by other artists affect what you do as an artist? How can you take better advantage of the built in art community you have at Biola?
Community is key for artmaking and adds dimension to an otherwise one-sided, flat perspective. Opinions about artwork inform both other viewers and the artist, and should be taken into consideration by both parties. Asking for other people’s honest opinion about my art and any references they might draw to other artists that I may not already be aware of can help me find the next direction for my own art.