questions and considerations for critique

QUESTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR CRITIQUE

What do the photographs invite you to imagine, if anything?
What do the photographs make you think and feel?
What do the photographs tell you about society, if anything?
What do the photographs tell you about the photographer, if anything?

What could be technically improved, if anything?
Is the display appropriate? Does it insulate or attract meaning to the image?
What is the title?
Where would you ideally like to show this work?
Does it challenge or embrace convention?

Consider these elements in understanding the artwork:
Structure / Form
Function / Use
Content / Signification
Intention

Engage in the following activities when critiquing the images:
Describe (What do you see?)
Evaluate (Do you like it? Why? What are your criteria?)
Interpret (What does it mean?)
Identify the discourse the image participates in. (What does the work contribute to the ongoing conversation within that art world?)

Understand that the meaning of an image is not fixed, but rather arises through the interdependence of picture, observer, and context.

Essentially, identify problems and possible solutions. Refine further.

Don't be overly negative. Rather, metaphorically speaking, see the artwork in question as the patient, yourself as the doctor, and your critique as the diagnosis. If the artwork is healthy, so to speak, shower the artist with praises. In other words, identify what is working and why. If the work needs medicine or therapy, that is to say, refinement, try to give useful criticism. The critique should be regarded as a mid-way point for a less than healthy diagnosis. The idea of a redo should be perceived as an opportunity, not a rebuke. Always avoid condescention and try to be humorous. It is up to the artist to apply the advice. The artist may or may not choose to respect your opinion and follow your advice.

Try to remain open without hardening your opinion.

"Do not seek the truth. Only cease to cherish opinions."
(- Seng Ts'an On Believing In Mind)

ED HECKERMAN

QUESTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR CRITIQUE What do the photographs invite you to imagine, if anything? What do the photographs make you think and feel? What do the photographs tell you about society, if anything? What do the photographs tell you about the photographer, if anything? What could be technically improved, if anything? Is the display appropriate? Does it insulate or attract meaning to the image? What is the title? Where would you ideally like to show this work? Does it challenge or embrace convention? Consider these elements in understanding the artwork: Structure / Form Function / Use Content / Signification Intention Engage in the following activities when critiquing the images: Describe (What do you see?) Evaluate (Do you like it? Why? What are your criteria?) Interpret (What does it mean?) Identify the discourse the image participates in. (What does the work contribute to the ongoing conversation within that art world?) Understand that the meaning of an image is not fixed, but rather arises through the interdependence of picture, observer, and context. Essentially, identify problems and possible solutions. Refine further. Don't be overly negative. Rather, metaphorically speaking, see the artwork in question as the patient, yourself as the doctor, and your critique as the diagnosis. If the artwork is healthy, so to speak, shower the artist with praises. In other words, identify what is working and why. If the work needs medicine or therapy, that is to say, refinement, try to give useful criticism. The critique should be regarded as a mid-way point for a less than healthy diagnosis. The idea of a redo should be perceived as an opportunity, not a rebuke. Always avoid condescention and try to be humorous. It is up to the artist to apply the advice. The artist may or may not choose to respect your opinion and follow your advice. Try to remain open without hardening your opinion. "Do not seek the truth. Only cease to cherish opinions." (- Seng Ts'an On Believing In Mind) TEACHING HOME