Questions We Can Help You To Answer

Paper instructions:

Art Criticism involves making discriminating judgments about artworks, both favorable and unfavorable.                                                                                                                    Art criticisms tend to fall within three categories:
Formal Theories: Focus attention on the composition of the work and how earlier works may have influenced it.
Contextual Theories: Consider art as a product of a culture and value system.
Expressive Theories: Pay attention to the artist's expression of a personality or worldview.
Questions to consider for this assignment:
Based on your own set of values which theory might you prefer?
What are you looking for in a work of art?
In your opinion, what role does contemporary art serve?

Format:
This should be at least 3 PAGE DOUBLE SPACED. The introduction/body/conclusion should be a complete two pages WITHOUT heading and embedded images included.

Introduction:
For this portion of your review give information about the exhibition you are viewing. For instance, who is the artist/s? what is the title of the show? How long will the show be open? What museum/gallery? Also include some background information about the artist, and information about the artwork you will be reviewing (e.g., title, medium dimensions). Lastly, state your thesis (i.e., your opinion) what it is you like or dislike about the work of art and why.

Body:
Here you will substantiate you thesis by describing specific parts of the work that support your opinion. To do this it might be good to first give a detailed description of the artwork. To help support your thesis, you can use one of the three basic theories we discussed in class that resonates most with you. It might help to analyze the work of art from one of these particular points of view.
Also, to help support your thesis, include at least one art historical example and explain how it relates to your opinion. This can be an artwork we discussed in class or one mentioned in your textbook. 
You will also need to include at least one image of the artwork you are writing about. If possible please embed the image/s within your text.

Conclusion:
Wrap up your review by restating your thesis. Describe what this experience has taught you, and give general comments to your readers about what you hope they learn from reading your review.