Using what you have learned in "Defining Critique" and "Giving and Receiving Feedback" (in the Readings folder on Blackboard), critique this critique.
Make sure to use the techniques specified in the articles when framing your response (provide specific, constructive feedback).
When watching the art school critique video there were some aspects that were very good that included peer support from the group and pointing out positive aspects in the work. Some of the issues include the class being very general and at times unresponsive when looking at a piece of work, which makes it difficult for the artist to know what to change. When a comment was given on Flowers artwork, the attack was more personal than productive and instead of saying things that could be changed the person mentioned that it only took 2 minutes to draw. This is a personal attack that does not need to be included. Flowers on the other hand did not realize the comment was stupid and took it personally, something the guide suggests against. Another aspect that could be improved would be the students thinking more about what they are looking at instead of saying the first thing on their mind. Ideally the judgments would be made from the point of view considering the artist and what they were trying to achieve, if this was done more positive and constructive feedback would be given.
ReplyDeleteMalkovich Malkovich!
ReplyDeleteMalkovich had to pry to get answers out of the students. No ones seemed very enthused and the answers were very vague. They would say it looked like something or had "humanity", but they didn't go in to detail on what "humanity" actually meant to them. Also, they didn't explain how it was playful. Maybe the crazy lines..but they didn't say that. The student just expected everyone to have the same idea of what playful meant. Then the class started attacking each other. They needed to express themselves better and practice constructive criticism with some in detailed compliments.
The students were supportive and provided positive feedback by saying, “ I like it” but they never explained why or what they liked about Flower’s work. The article, Defining Criticism states a very important quote. "Thought and feeling are necessary components that need to be combined to achieve understanding and appreciation. Criticism is not a coldly intellectual endeavor." After reading this quote & after viewing the video posted I believe that the students in the clip failed to compose constructive feedback to the girl. While they did indeed state they enjoyed it because of humanity, none of them talked about details or colors or the reason she chose to paint so abstractly. In order for a critique to be helpful, peers need to really look at the art being shown and examine it thoroughly and only then they will be prepared to provide an adequate critique. Also, the boy was too harsh in his review. His remarks were hurtful and he never fully stated why he didn't like Flowers work, he simply attacked her work. As for Flower, she should have defended her work or she could have asked the boy for clarification as to why he was not pleased with her painting.
ReplyDeleteThere are many things wrong with the critique shown above, the students aren't giving constructive criticism to each other they fail to explain reasons of why they like a work as well as saying how they can improve. They also go into personal attack mode which is something that should never be done when critiquing someones work, because no matter how much time it took that work is precious to them and is just plain rude/ mean to just attack their work in that manner.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately this critique is not constructive and counteracts the principals of critique, specifically the teacher's approach toward introducing the students' work and encouraging discussion. While the teacher wanted to create dialogue among the students he discourage their participation and opinion. He probed for answers that correlated with his thoughts. He also made remarks that discouraged the processes of art making and thought. Because the teacher encouraged these tactics of discussion, the students absorbed his thoughts and continued to attack the student's work.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing amiss in this art critique is the lack of control on both sides. The guy who is forced to comment on the drawing says nothing constructive, whether or not he is partially justified. Yet those defending flower are in the worng as well because they immediately attack his self portrait saying it looks mechanical and inhumane, which is pretty insulting. Before he is forced to give his opinion, however, the critique is as close to ideal as it gets in the clip. People are clearly stating the interesting qualities of the drawing, yet it still lacks a certain amount of actual analysis, simply stating what is good about it is not enough in most cases
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