5 Steps: Crafting an Art Review
What is an art review? One person’s opinion.
A good thing to remember if a critic gives you a bad one!
These days, the classic bad review, the critical slam, the decisive thumbs-down, is on the decline—a trend that is itself the subject of critical debate.
Even as the critic’s role morphs and wanes, writing critically about art remains an essential skill. I don’t mean a decisively negative critique, but rather an accessible text that explains persuasively what you like and why. If you’re not sure what you think, the very task of writing can help you form your opinions.
Here’s a template to help you get started.
Paragraph 1: Set the scene
Spark readers’ interest with detail or information. It might be the story behind the show or an artwork, or what it feels like to experience the exhibition and its contents. Use vivid, descriptive language.
Paragraph 2: Announce the theme
Explain how your example in Paragraph 1 reflects the show as a whole. Share main facts: Artist’s identity, what’s on view, when was it made, etc. Signal an initial value judgment or brief takeaway: Did the art—or show—succeed? What parts did or didn’t work? Whatever you state here, prepare to follow through at conclusion.
Paragraph 3: Share main info
If you haven’t explained yet: Artist’s identity, scope and quantity of work, materials, tools, process, style, content. How is the art displayed? Note how the show fits in the context of the artist’s prior work, or how it relates to the current conversation in art and beyond.
Paragraph 4: List examples
Using different works or series, elaborate on your talking points above. Say what the art and show look like: assume the reader won’t be seeing photos. What is the viewer’s experience? Does the art inspire a certain feeling, interpretation, call to action, change in perspective?
Paragraph 5: Sum it up
What is the overall takeaway? Explain how your examples confirm your evaluation from Paragraph 1. This might encompass formal qualities, technical skill, message, originality, inventiveness, beauty, humor, presentation, timeliness, visitor experience, meaning, or larger impact. Perform a service for the reader: Is the show worth seeing? Is the artist worth knowing about or following?
