Art & art criticism

DR. SHANTI SWAROOP SINHA

History of Visual Arts & Design
Faculty of Visual Arts
Banaras Hindu University
 Importance of Art Criticism

Art Critic helps the viewer to perceive, interpret

and judge artworks. Both art critics and art historian
share a strong interest in constructing meaning from
artworks. Critic tend to focus more on modern and
contemporary art from cultures close to their own while
Art-Historian tend to study works made in cultures that
are more distant in time and space.

But perfect Art Critic must be of both qualities to do

better Judgment with Art.
 Processes of Art Criticism

1. Description- what do I see?

(a) Subject-Matter; (b) Medium- tools, materials
etc.; (c) Form

2. Interpretation – about art work

(a) Interpretive Statement; (b) Evidence

3. Judgment – is it good artwork

(a) Criteria; (b) Evidence; (c) Judgment- based on
the criteria and evidence for quality of the
artwork.
 Art Criticism

A. Relationship between Art, Aesthetics and Art

Criticism.

B. Nature and Main Qualities of Art Critic

Personality of Art Critic (1, 2, 4, 8)
Qualification or Experience of Art Critic (3, 5-7, 9-10)

C. Responsibilities of Art Critic.

 B. Nature and Main Qualities of Art Critic
1. Open Mind and Good-thinker with Emotion or
one of attuned heart.
2. Art-Lover, Enthusiast, Emotional, Creative and
Passionate personality.
3. Knowledge of Art History and also Contemporary
Art Activity.
4. Physiologist.
5. Knowledge of Traditional and Contemporary Art
Technique.
6. Expert of Ancient or Traditional and
Contemporary Art Style.
 B. Nature and Main Qualities of Art Critic

7. Knowledge of other Art Form and subject – like –

Dance, Music, Drama, Literature, folk lore,
festival and religious activities – for
comparative study.
8. Logical and view of minute observation.
9. Expert in expressive but simple language
command and writing with flow and
understandable.
10. Expert of analysis and description of art object
– through highlight the elements of simple and
outstanding artistic achievements in art objects.
 C. Responsibilities of Art Critic

1. At the time of criticism an critic should be free

from prejudices or inclination or personal
association with Religion, Region, Society, Cast
or Community. In place of that responsibility of
an art critic is to discuss the art object on its
merits and demerits means factual.

2. For development and encouragement of artist an

art critic must discuss an art object through its
features and lapses or demerits and outstanding
elements in equal measurement.
 C. Responsibilities of Art Critic
3. Art critic should not give final decision or observation
or verdict, but it should be an opinion. He should
know the opinions of the viewers, listener and other
art critics and then analyze his own observation before
final decision.

4. Art critic should take into account alongwith art and

artist, the society also. As an art critic he has
responsibility towards society. His criticism should
not break the unity of society. Rather he should try to
discuss art objects in terms of relevance in the present.
In any case critic should not give the bad massage to
the present society.