1. CRITICAL THINKING FOR
UNDERSTANDING DECK
Modeling the Critique Process
Written and Illustrated by Emily Valenza, 2014

2. WHAT IS A CRITIQUE?
A critique is the process of discussion by which we examine and
evaluate creative works.
A critique can be done alone, with a few people, or in a large
group.
Critiques might be about your work, your classmates’ work, or a
famous piece that is made by someone you do not know.

3. WHAT DO WE CRITIQUE?
Critiques can be applied to any creative endeavor:
● Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography,
Performance Art, Installations, Digital Art, Film, Fashion & Costume
Design, etc.
● Performing Arts: Dance, Musical Compositions, Vocal
Performances, Instrumental Performances, Acting, Playwriting,
Directing, Stage Design, Sound Design, etc!
● Writing
● Cuisine
Can you think of more areas to critique?

4. WHY DO WE CRITIQUE?
● To understand creative works
● To improve our own work and inspire new work
● To help others understand and improve their work
● To fully experience a creative work
A critique is not meant to be negative.
A good critique is honest and constructive.

5. CRAFTSMANSHIP
This was made with skill because…
I can identify _____ skills used to create
this piece…

6. CRAFTSMANSHIP EXAMPLES
This was made with skill because…
I can identify _____ skills used to create this
piece…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKezUd_xw20
Carrie Mae Weems, Self Portrait, photograph, 2002

7. CREATOR’S IDEAS
The ideas in this piece are interesting
because…
I think this was made with _____ purpose
because …
I imagine the thought process/intent of the
creator was _____ because …

8. CREATOR’S IDEAS EXAMPLES
The ideas in this piece are interesting because…
I think this was made with _____ purpose because …
I imagine the thought process/intent of the creator was
_____ because …
I’m Nobody! Who are you? (260)
Emily Dickinson, 1830 - 1886
I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! they’d advertise – you know!
How dreary – to be – Somebody!
How public – like a Frog –
To tell one’s name – the livelong June –
To an admiring Bog!
Dorothea Tanning, On Time Off Time, 1948

9. COMPARISON
This differs from _______ because…
This is similar to ________ because…

10. COMPARISON EXAMPLES
This differs from _______ because…
This is similar to ________ because…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JjLuh4Ns7shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRlUwaNwY4
c

11. EMOTIONAL RESPONSE
This makes me feel ______ because…
I imagine this piece might make others feel
__________ because…

12. EMOTIONAL RESPONSE EXAMPLES
This makes me feel ______ because…
I imagine this piece might make others feel __________ because…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIqbv7SPoLouise Bourgeois, Maman (Mother), 1999

13. QUESTIONS
I don’t understand this because…
I wonder what the creator was thinking here
because…

14. QUESTION EXAMPLES
I don’t understand this because…
I wonder what the creator was thinking here
because…
Marc Chagall, Paris Through the Window, 1913
Jenny Holzer,Truisms, Times Square, NY, LED display,
1970’s

15. INSPIRATION
This piece inspires me to _______
because…
I have an idea to create ______ because…

16. INSPIRATION EXAMPLES
This piece inspires me to _______ because…
I have an idea to create ______ because…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJdJIwCF_Y

17. FORMAL PRINCIPLES
I can describe this with words from class like
…
This relates to our class/lesson because…

18. FORMAL PRINCIPLES EXAMPLES
I can describe this with words from class like
…
This relates to our class/lesson because…
Raphael, School of Athens, Fresco, Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, 1509-1511
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Up6esqYMGU

19. CONNECTIONS
This reminds me of_____ because…
This is related to ______ because…

20. CONNECTIONS EXAMPLES
This reminds me of_____ because…
This is related to ______ because…
Stuart Mortimer, Squid Series #2,
pink ivory, ebony wood, 2002Arthur Dove, 1941, wax emulsion on canvas, 1941

21. SUGGESTIONS TO STRUCTURE A
CRITIQUE
● Class discussion
● Pair discussion
● Self-evaluation
● Written responses
o used to structure an essay
o short statements on post-its
o checklist with comments