What to say about the Artworks

Here's a neat quote by Man Ray, surrealist and dada artist, who worked in photo, film, painting, and mixed media sculpture:

"In whatever form it is finally presented—by a drawing, by a painting, by a photograph, or by the object itself in its original dimensions—it is designed to amuse, bewilder, annoy, or to inspire reflection, but not to arouse admiration for any technical excellence usually sought in other works of art."

Part of what we learn in art classes is to make constructive and meaningful comments about art. Rather than saying, "I know what I like, but I don't know why," we can communicate more about what we are getting from the work of art. By engaging in a dialogue about our art, we can gauge our success in making art that communicates.

Artists are usually not as interested in judgement as they are to reaction. Judgement comes from the intellect. It is often based on stereotypes and preconceptions. It is often a easy substitute for "opening one's heart and listening."

Imagine two possible reactions from a kiss. One would be a qualitative evaluation, "that was a '10,'" The other would be an expression of how great the kiss felt and what it meant to the "receiver." Which would you rather hear (or feel) from a lover?

Here are some of the things you can say about an art work:

1. How does it make you feel? Happy, sad, angry, mad, scared, brave, indifferent, etc.
   
   
2. Of what does it remind you (metaphor or simile)?
   
   
3. Why do you think the artist made the picture?
   
   
4. What do you believe was the artist's attitude about the subject?
   
   
5. Do you think the artist had the picture in his head (previsualized) before he photographed/drew/painted/sculpted/animated it?
   
   
6. Would you like to own it?
   
   
7. Would you like to look at it for a long time?
   
   
8. Would you like to show it to a "best friend," as you might want to share any powerful experience?
   
   
9. What do you think the photographer means?
   
   
10. Does the size, surface, shape, contrast of the print echo the content?
    
    
11. Has it showed you another way of looking at something—has it taken you to place you have not been?