Art Criticism and Writing: an Introduction

Dedication: 3 hrs/week

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Art criticism is essential to the development of a dynamic and vibrant art scene and tradition. In curatorial and artistic practice, good writing skills combined with a critical mindset are a necessity on various levels, such as applying for funding, presenting an exhibition project, writing texts for catalogues, press releases, and about the art pieces in the show. In this course we will dedicate ourselves to the writing of short-form art critical reviews. We will learn how to formulate an idea with clarity, how to analyze and evaluate art and its display in a thoughtful, meaningful way. A range of critical methods as well as different outlets (art magazine, newspaper, blog,etc.) are discussed.

With stage-by-stage guidance the participants are supported in their endeavor to experiment, to be creative, and especially to develop their own style. So we exercise, sharpen and shape both imagination and skill. Writing about art has no template, in the workshop we treat it as an evolving social form.

*This course offers University credits. To opt for credits read this page

Program

Week 1:

• the position of critical writing in the contemporary art world.
• the difficulties and opportunities of writing and publishing art criticism
• examining examples of art criticism: questioning and challenging clichés and jargons of the genre
• reflection: can we define the characteristics of good art critical writing?
• homework: creating a “pillow book list”

Week 2:

• discussion of art and its qualities
• writing about exhibition displays: strategies, tools, and parameters of forming your opinion of an exhibition
• homework: writing exercise (involves visiting an exhibition opening)

Week 3:

• feedback and workshopping texts
• subjectivity and objectivity in critical writing: how are you positioned?
• homework: writing exercise

Week 4:

• workshopping texts
• the advantages/disadvantages of various formats, such as blogging, reportage, etc.
• negotiating fees for writing and the benefit of saying no/yes