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Is a particular work of art successful? This is the question you must ask yourself during this final section of the Art Critiquing Process. Does the work have artistic merit? Everyone is going to have reasons for liking or disliking a work of art. Saying "I think this is good art" is not enough. If you followed the four steps of the Art Critiquing Process, you can probably explain why you like the work. How you value a work of art is a personal judgment. But, it is important that you recognize the importance of works of art and their contribution to the world we live in. Let's see what you think of these works.

Mary Cassat, (American) 1844-1926, Portrait of a Little Girl
1878, Oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington

When you look at this painting, chances are you will get a sense of whether you like it or not.
How did Cassat's use of color influence your opinion? Do you like the color blue?

Look at the pose of the young girl. Have you ever felt that way?

Do you like works that look realistic? Is this a successful work of art?


 

  
El Anatsui, (Ghana) 1944- , The Ancestors Converged Again 1995, Wood, tempera
40 3/16 x 107 1/16 x 3 9/16 in.
This is an unusual work of art. Do you like things that are unusual? Is this something you would display in your bedroom? Does the work have artistic merit? Do you like this work? Why or why not? Remember, you must be able to give reasons for your opinion. Following the Art Critiquing Process helps you to organize the facts and make intelligent statements about works of art.  


Rene Magritte, (Belgium) 1898-1967, The Human Condition,

Look very carefully at this painting. Do you see Magritte's illusion?

Do you like works that make you think?

Why do you think this painting was titled The Human Condition? Can you see the symbolism in the painting by the window becoming part of the background?

Have you ever felt that you were unnoticed?

Do you like this painting? If you could re-title the piece, what would you call it? Why?

Jean-Michel Basquiat, (American) 1960-1988, Tabac,
1984. Acrylic and oil crayon on canvas, 219x173 cm. Private collection

How does this work affect you?

Is this art?

Should art have a message?

Can we create art for art's sake? Or does it have to have a message, make a statement, or perform a function?

Do you find this work disturbing? Does that affect your judgment of the success of this piece as a work of art?

Where would you hang this work in your home?

 

,(Canadian Haida), (1950-) Beaver Raven Mask, Carved cedar and oil paints, 16 x 20 in. Private Collection

Can art created by special groups of people such as Native Americans or other indigenous peoples be considered art?

Can it be evaluated with the same criteria as works you might find in a famous museum? What is the importance of contemporary artists creating art in the tradition of their cultural pasts?

The artist of this mask is Haida, one of the culture groups of the Pacific Northwest. Can you think of a unique, indigenous art form, once created by the people of the Pacific Northwest coast, that influenced this piece? If you guessed the totem pole, you would be correct.

Why Or Why Not? (Print and Complete)
Learning The Aesthetic Theories (Reference)