Short Course - How To Be A Critic
Introduction
Welcome to Short Course - How To Be A Critic
In this short course, we will explore the practice of criticism to gain an understanding on the role of the critic in today's society and exploring the challenges they face, especially in the age of social media.
Throughout this short course, you will explore how to hone your critical skills, developing a personal writing style, and find your niche within the vast landscape of criticism. We will address the various career paths available to critics and how to maintain your authenticity while navigating the public sphere.
Before you begin, download your Working Document
Watch a short video of the Guardian's Global Music Critic, Ammar Kalia, sharing insight into his career.
Module 1: Theory
1.1 The Role of The Critic
Watch a video of Ammar Kalia discussing the role of the critic in society.
What Do Critics Do?
Critics decipher and assess art and culture, offering insights beyond personal preferences. They initiate discussions that deepen our connection with creative works, bridging the gap between creators and audiences.
Why Do They Do It?
Motivated by passion and curiosity, critics contribute to the cultural landscape. They help us understand and appreciate art's profound impact, fostering a more meaningful engagement with the creative process.
Will the Practice Exist in the Future?
While evolving with technology and culture, criticism will endure. Critics will adapt to digital platforms and multimedia, continuing to shape artistic conversations and reflections.
What Should Critics Cover?
Critics should explore a wide spectrum of art forms, from classics to contemporary works. They can delve into the intertwining of art with societal issues, politics, and identity, shedding light on hidden treasures and encouraging diverse perspectives.
Your Turn
Take some time to think about the above.
Q1. Think about a recent book, movie, or artwork you've experienced. How did your personal interpretation of the piece differ from someone else's?
See examples in Working Document.
Q2. Recall a time when you read a review or critique that changed your perception of a creative work. What aspects of the critic's analysis resonated with you?
See Working Document for details.
Q3. Consider the evolving landscape of technology and cultural dynamics. How do you envision the practice of criticism adapting to these changes?
See Working Document for details.
Q4. Imagine you were a critic. What types of art and culture would you want to cover?
See Working Document for details.
Answer the above questions in your downloaded Working Document.
Module 2: Practical
2.1 Putting Yourself in The Story
Watch a video of Ammar Kalia discussing how to infuse your personal perspective while maintaining the integrity of your analysis.
How Much of Ourselves Should We Put in a Piece?
Balancing personal input is crucial. While sharing enough to provide context and insight, be cautious not to overshadow the work's essence. Tailor your self-disclosure to enhance the reader's understanding without diverting focus.
Empathy and Embodiment Without First Person
Empathy can be expressed through astute analysis and contextualisation. Delve into the artist's intentions, historical backdrop, and cultural influences for an embodied response. Employ descriptive language and emotional resonance to immerse readers without relying solely on first-person perspective.
Audience Preference for Personal Details
Be attuned to your audience's preferences. Some seek insights into your background and emotions, while others prioritise objectivity. Determine when sharing personal experiences enriches the critique and when focusing on the artwork's broader context is more pertinent.
Lingo
Contextualisation: Placing a work of art within its historical, cultural, and societal framework to enhance understanding and meaning.
Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings and experiences of another person, in this case, artists or audiences.
Objectivity: Providing a balanced and impartial assessment of art, considering facts and evidence rather than personal feelings or biases.
Your Turn
Q5. Select an Artwork
Write a paragraph summarising your objective analysis.
Write a paragraph expressing your empathetic engagement.
Combine your analytical and empathetic perspectives to create a holistic critique.
Step back and reflect on how effectively you managed to balance your analytical analysis
with your empathetic engagement.
Take notes as needed in exercise 2.1 in your Working Document.
Module 2: Practical
2.2 How to be an Active Participant
Watch a video of Ammar Kalia sharing his recommendations on contributing to cultural dialogue.
Cultivating Your Personal Connection with Art
Emotional Engagement: Allow yourself to connect emotionally with art, enriching your critiques.
Thought Diary: Keep a diary to capture immediate reactions and thoughts after experiencing art, enhancing your critique process.
Making Space for Writing and Expression
Scheduled Time: Allocate dedicated periods for writing or discussing your thoughts on art.
Thoughtful Environment: Create a focused space, minimising distractions for effective critical thinking.
Engaging with Your Audience
Connection Building: Respond to comments and feedback to establish a connection with your readers.
Promote Conversations: Pose thought-provoking questions in your critiques to encourage reader participation.
Building Relationships with Artists
Respectful Interaction: Engage with artists respectfully, offering constructive insights while honouring their creative choices.
Understanding Intent: Consider the artist's intention and background when critiquing, showcasing a nuanced perspective.
Contributing to Fellow Critics
Collaborative Exchange: Engage with fellow critics to share viewpoints and broaden your understanding.
Constructive Critique: Provide constructive criticism that encourages growth and maintains a respectful exchange.
Your Turn
Q6. Choose an artist or creator within your selected art form, write a short letter or message expressing your appreciation for their work.
See Working Document for details.
Q7. Explore online platforms, forums, or social media groups related to your chosen art form, share your perspective on the topic, engaging in a respectful exchange of ideas.
See Working Document for details.
Q8. Choose a recent critique you've written and embed thought-provoking questions related to the artwork within your critique
See Working Document for details.
Q9. Select a piece of art within your chosen art form that resonates with you on a personal level, write a short journal entry or diary note, detailing your emotional response and immediate thoughts upon experiencing the artwork.
See Working Document for details.
Take notes as needed in exercise 2.2 in your Working Document.
Tip: To maintain consistency in your practice, choose an art form and dedicate a specific time each week to engage with it :)
Module 2: Practical (cont.)
2.3 Pathways Into The Industry
Watch a video of Ammar Kalia presenting a few options to initiate a career in the industry.
Skills Development
Pursue education in fields like literature, media studies, or journalism to establish a strong foundation. Continue refining analytical and writing skills through workshops and online courses.
Building a Portfolio
Craft a versatile portfolio featuring your critical analyses across art forms. Publish your work on personal blogs or contribute to local publications to establish your credibility.
Networking and Engagement
Attend cultural events, exhibitions, and screenings to connect with artists and industry peers. Cultivate relationships and seek mentorship opportunities to enrich your understanding.
Online Presence
Harness social media platforms to share insights, connect with a wider audience, and partake in conversations. Cultivate a professional online persona that mirrors your unique voice and expertise.
Contributing to Established Platforms
Collaborate with established media outlets or online publications as a contributing critic. Showcase your expertise through well-crafted pitches and proposals.
Niche Development
Identify areas of passion within the art and culture domain. Becoming an expert in a specific niche can set you apart and establish your authority.
Tip: There is no ‘one size fits' all’ approach, experiment with all of the approaches detailed above in parallel to figure out what works best for you :)
Congratulations!
You have now successfully learned:
The role of a critic and its impact on art and culture.
The art of infusing your personal voice while maintaining objective analysis.
Strategies to actively engage with your audience, artists, and fellow critics.
Diverse pathways to kickstart your journey into the realm of criticism.