Criticizing Photographs: Chapter 1

In the first chapter this book, Terry Barrett, the author, gives an introduction to the various ways to criticize photographs.

I think one of the biggest points that Barrett makes is that the word criticism has a negative connotation to it. He explains that art critics are not passing judgment, but instead are trying to gain a better understanding of art itself. By talking and writing about art, the critics are also able to gain an increase appreciation for all art forms. He says that critics typically use one or more of four ways to criticize art. These are describing the art, interpret it, evaluate it and theorize about it.

There are several types of criticism explained in this chapter; exploratory aesthetic criticism, argumentative aesthetic criticism, applied criticism, and theoretical criticism. The first two deal with all types of art while the last two types are specific to photography criticism.  Exploratory aesthetic criticism is essentially when the critic describes the work physically so the reader will get the feeling of actually viewing the piece of artwork. Argumentative aesthetic criticism is mainly an explanation of the critics judgments of the piece and an attempt at persuading the reader to feel the same.  Applied criticism is "practical, immediate and directed at the work." Theoretical criticism tries to define photography and typically deals with the aesthetic qualities of specific photographs. I think what's most important to remember about these different types of criticism is that it is what you make of it. It comes in all different shapes, sizes and colors, but it can all be useful for later projects.

I think that reading art criticism helps us learn more about art as a whole. It helps us think more clearly when creating our own pieces and it helps us become better at critiquing the work of our colleagues.