Q&A for How to Write an Art Exhibition Review

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  • Question
    How do you analyze artwork?
    Kelly Medford
    Professional Artist
    Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.
    Professional Artist
    Expert Answer
    Look at each art piece with an open mind. When you’re critiquing someone’s piece remember that every artist is an artist and just because you wouldn’t have made it that way, doesn’t mean the art is any less valid or important. Look at all the art with an open mind and then think about your initial reaction. Is it a visceral reaction? What does the art remind you of or what do you think it’s communicating? Identify what rhythms are happening and let yourself enter into the world of the art with no preconceptions.
  • Question
    When critiquing, what are some things I can write about?
    Community Answer
    You can write about what you saw, a theme expressed throughout the exhibit, and anything that stood out. You can mention if you spoke with any of the artists, and how the exhibit made you feel.
  • Question
    Is there any way to make the article long without putting in unneeded details?
    Community Answer
    If you stick to the major components of a review such as description, background and a critique of the work you should have plenty to write about. If you need more to write about you can include more relevant background on the artist, their time period, You can also look more through other people's reviews of the work, if available, and see what sorts of information they include. As long as you cover whatever the requirements are, you should have plenty of length to your review.
  • Question
    How does this help if you can't find out where the art was displayed?
    Community Answer
    If you can't find where the particular exhibition is or the artworks are displayed, you can ask someone at the museum who can point you in the right direction. Most museums will usually have maps or signs indicating where you should head to see the pieces you want to view.
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