Having Trouble?

Question

I have to critique a photograph, Moon and Half Dome by Ansel Adams, and am having a lot of trouble figuring out how I am suppose to critique this photograph. Its not a painting, and it has no color, nor a lot to look at. I am so confused!

Answer 1

It is a bit daunting to critique something like a photograph or painting that you don't see much in but it's not hard to do. All you need to do is study the photo- stand back and look at it. Try to imagine what the artist was trying to say with this his subject choice. Was he going for negative/positive space? Was he going for dark/mystery? etc. Next state what you think of the piece good and bad. Do you think the artist did a good job artistically portraying the meaning? Was it easy to identify or have underlying meanings? Then finally state overall is the work good in your own opinion. Remember- no one can tell you what your critique is of this photograph because they cannot see it through your eyes. Do your best and really think about the work while looking at it. Walk away and think about it some more you should already know-artistically speaking-what you think about the work. Don't just say "I didn't understand it" or "I don't like this type of work" because you need to state 'WHY' you don't like it or why is was hard for you to understand.
I think that all high school and colleges should make critiquing an important part of art class. Colleges and universities should have a required freshman course for critique and evaluation of art but that another story. Good Luck ;)