Art criticism

Gabriel_Cornelius_von_Max,_1840-1915,_Monkeys_as_Judges_of_Art,_1889

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Étienne_Carjat,_Portrait_of_Charles_Baudelaire,_circa_1862

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Clive_Bell

Art criticism is the discussion or evaluation of visual art. Art critics usually criticize art in the context of aesthetics or the theory of beauty. The goal of art criticism is to achieve a rational basis for the appreciation of art, but it is also often tied to theory. The variety of artistic movements has meant that the types of art criticism have also changed.

History[edit | edit source]

Art criticism has a long history, dating back to the ancient Greeks. The philosopher Plato was one of the earliest art critics, who believed that art was an imitation of reality and thus inferior to the truth. His student, Aristotle, had a more favorable view of art, seeing it as a form of catharsis and a way to understand the world.

During the Renaissance, art criticism became more formalized. Giorgio Vasari's "Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects" is considered one of the first works of art history and criticism. In the 18th century, the field expanded with the writings of Denis Diderot and Johann Joachim Winckelmann, who emphasized the importance of historical context in understanding art.

Modern Art Criticism[edit | edit source]

In the 20th century, art criticism became more diverse and complex. The rise of modernism and later postmodernism introduced new theories and methods of critique. Critics like Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg were influential in promoting Abstract Expressionism in the United States. Greenberg, in particular, emphasized the importance of formal qualities in art, such as color, line, and composition.

Postmodern art criticism often challenges the idea of a single, authoritative interpretation of a work of art. Critics like Rosalind Krauss and Hal Foster have explored the ways in which art interacts with culture, politics, and identity.

Methods of Art Criticism[edit | edit source]

Art criticism can take many forms, including:

Formal Analysis: Examining the visual elements of a work, such as composition, color, and technique.
Contextual Analysis: Considering the cultural, social, and historical context in which the work was created.
Theoretical Analysis: Applying various theoretical frameworks, such as feminism, Marxism, or psychoanalysis, to interpret the work.