CRITS: GROUP CRITIQUES and INDIVIDUAL CRITIQUES
Group or
Individual Critiques will become a very important component in the student’s
learning process for this course. The group critique is loosely structured in a
way that allows the class as a group to discuss and build a consensus as to
what each artist or art student's work is conveying to the viewer (classroom
audience). Not attending a group
critique is equivalent to missing a test – grades will be deducted. The
individual critique will involve an intensive one on one consultation.
During a
group critique usually the audience will view and be required to speak first
about the presented work. The artist who is presenting work then responds to
remarks made by classmates and may also discuss ideas that were missed by their
classroom peers. Usually group critiques will last approximately 10 minutes per
student. Each critique will offer advice and constructive criticism regarding
such ideas as intent, level of formal and conceptual content, context and
overall professionalism. Critiques of work (Group and Individual) will offer as
many options as possible to strengthen the artist’s/art student's work. There
are many variables and possible solutions, a person will be required to
research, explore and investigate many options to discover the applicable
solution(s).
Due to the
instructor having more experience than the students within the visual arts at
times during group and individual critiques the instructor will strongly
challenge a student’s or a student group’s value systems, preconceived ideas
and interpretations of various course issues.
Ultimately
the purpose of group critiques and
individual critiques can be pared down into these following points: generating
ideas and new ways of thinking, creating a class culture that has a positive
and productive dialogue, and assisting the person to grow, expand and improve
their work. As well the group critiques and discussions are also about
developing a person’s attention span and their ability to focus on discussions.
Note that
the work presented during group critiques will not be given a final evaluation
(grade) until the work is videotaped at the end of each quarter. However it is still extremely important and
compulsory to have the work completed for group critiques. If the work is deemed too incomplete the work
will not receive a group critique and the student’s grade will be penalized.
Students are strongly encouraged to continue to utilize comments from the group
critiques and individual critiques with the instructor. Following any critique,
students will always be required to rework and quite often significantly modify
assignments outside of class until it is time to videotape work for final
evaluation. (See course syllabus for videotaping/documentation dates)
During the
group critique students will be evaluated on your class participation, this
evaluation will be part of your overall class participation grade. This class
participation includes complete attention to all discussions during crits,
general professional and respectful behavior, actively viewing work at a very
close range and offering comments. Due to the nature of most assignments, group
crits will be emphasized more for the latter part of the course.
Please
keep in mind the instructor’s criticisms during individual and group critiques
is always intended to assist the artist/student in improving their work. The
ability to apply these criticisms is also firmly connected to a student’s
evaluation (grade) in the course.
