Three New Approaches of Art Critique: A Case Study to Initiate a Dialogue between Artists and Audiences

Abstract

Traditionally, art critique has taken on a top-down form, led by a knowledgeable instructor, and remains a crucial component of pedagogical practices in higher education art classrooms in the US. However, not all critiques prove beneficial, as art students may encounter vague feedback that swings between loose or harsh. If instructors shift the term “judging” to “sharing,” the entire dynamic could change. Critique might evolve into a series of moments where everyone stands on equal ground, exchanging diverse and constructive perspectives without judgments. This workshop presentation endeavors to introduce three new concepts of art critique rooted in the principles of sharing and storytelling. The beginning of the workshop presentation will outline the resources utilized in these critique approaches. Following that, I will delve into the mechanics of how I facilitate the critiques and will lead the three activities for the participants. Finally, I will explain the potential applications in future art pedagogy. By establishing connections between art creation, psychology, and visual studies, this workshop presentation explores the collaborations between fine art field and other disciplines to reinterpret art language within higher art education.

Presenters

Rachel Yan Gu
Student, PhD, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Illinois, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Workshop Presentation

Theme

2025 Special Focus—Learning from Artificial Intelligence: Pedagogical Futures and Transformative Possibilities

KEYWORDS

ART CRITIQUE, VISUAL STUDIES, HIGHER ART EDUCATION, AFFECT THEORY