Interesting and timely topic. For the most part, I agree with you that art criticism should encourage the public to experience the strong art that we are privileged to witness. I am far from a professional art critic, but I have opinions that I wish to share about the art that I personally experience. By doing that in my Art Letters, I can (I hope) make the rich visual offerings around us more “visible” to others. So, should I only comment on art that engages me? That has been my practice for the simple reason that, unlike a professional reviewer, I find it hard enough to articulate why I like something and all but impossible to explain why I don’t. When my mind is turned off, it is off. There are exceptions, however. I do think critics, even non-pros like me, can enrich the public’s appreciation of art, by, for example, commenting on art that strives but fails. For that is how art grows . . . by experiments and flops. What you are doing is a rare treat in our culture. Thank you.
The overall sentiment reminds me of food writer/chef J Kenji López-Alt and his strategy on reviewing restaurants, at least on IG during the pandemic. He said he wasn't going to write anything negative about the food he encountered. If he ate somewhere or something he didn't like, he wasn't going to post about it, because restaurants are struggling enough at this time and it wasn't his job or role to keep people out or away.
Even if it was true, that he didn't like something or the food or service was inherently bad, he would rather use his voice and space to promote what is good, to drive people to support those local businesses and people.
Thank you for all the ways you use your voice and platform for good and growth.
thank you for widening my perspective and helping me become a more informed supporter of the visual arts!
Interesting and timely topic. For the most part, I agree with you that art criticism should encourage the public to experience the strong art that we are privileged to witness. I am far from a professional art critic, but I have opinions that I wish to share about the art that I personally experience. By doing that in my Art Letters, I can (I hope) make the rich visual offerings around us more “visible” to others. So, should I only comment on art that engages me? That has been my practice for the simple reason that, unlike a professional reviewer, I find it hard enough to articulate why I like something and all but impossible to explain why I don’t. When my mind is turned off, it is off. There are exceptions, however. I do think critics, even non-pros like me, can enrich the public’s appreciation of art, by, for example, commenting on art that strives but fails. For that is how art grows . . . by experiments and flops. What you are doing is a rare treat in our culture. Thank you.
The last two paragraphs are golden.
The overall sentiment reminds me of food writer/chef J Kenji López-Alt and his strategy on reviewing restaurants, at least on IG during the pandemic. He said he wasn't going to write anything negative about the food he encountered. If he ate somewhere or something he didn't like, he wasn't going to post about it, because restaurants are struggling enough at this time and it wasn't his job or role to keep people out or away.
Even if it was true, that he didn't like something or the food or service was inherently bad, he would rather use his voice and space to promote what is good, to drive people to support those local businesses and people.
Thank you for all the ways you use your voice and platform for good and growth.