Art Critique Assignment
Art Critique Assignment Instructions

The reading this week focused on different ways to critique art (Being a Critic of the Arts pages 44-59). In this reading, three kinds of criticism are discussed, descriptive, interpretive, and evaluative (see questions for what each critique entails). To practice critiquing art, students are asked to choose a piece from the High Museum of Art (link given below) and critique in these three ways. For the interpretive and evaluative descriptions, you are not expected to do any outside research; you should provide an interpretation and evaluation based upon your opinion.

What is the name of the work and the artist (if known) you chose?
Provide a brief (2-3 sentences) descriptive criticism of your chosen work. Your descriptive criticism should focus on what you see when you look at the work of art.
Interpretive criticism attempts to explain the message or subject matter of the work of art. Write a brief (2-3 sentences) interpretive critique focusing on what you think this work of art is about. Some questions to consider that may help you in writing this type of criticism are: What is the subject of the work of art? Is the artist attempting to communicate anything to the audience or make any social commentary? Is the work of art focused more on function (example: some types of architecture)? What do you think this work of art means?
Lastly, provide a brief (2-3 sentences) evaluative criticism of the work of art you chose. Evaluative criticism judges the work of art based upon a variety of standards. Some questions you may want to consider in writing your evaluative criticism are: Do you like this work of art (why/why not)? Is this work of art, in your opinion, good or valuable to society in any way (why/why not)? Does the work demonstrate artistic talent (how/how not)?