Weekly Response #2:

DUE NEXT WEEK (February 9th): Find two reviews, one of which you believe is more scholarly or critical in its approach, and one that is more exemplary of what Charlesworth calls “art writing.” Discuss, in a 2-3 page journal entry, the different approaches each writer takes in reviewing her/his art (can be on any artistic genre). Be prepared to discuss your observations in class next week. 

1) Find (and photocopy) two reviews: One review should be more scholarly or critical (most likely to come from a well-known, high profile newspaper or magazine like the New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, The New Yorker, or from a well-respected art/photography/dance/etc. journal). The second should be what you have identified as more exemplary of what Charlesworth considers to be “art writing” (recall class discussion and re-read Charlesworth's essay if you need more guidance). 

* Length of review does not matter; content and approach is what is most important in your collection of these two reviews. 

2) Write a 2-3 page typed journal entry: discuss the different approaches each author takes to her/his subject. This piece does not have to be particularly focused or written in any particular style; as a “journal entry,” your reflection can take any form (including just headings and bullet points), but be sure to keep some of the following questions in mind as you are reflecting on the differences between your chosen reviews (you do not have to address each and every question – and you may have some of your own – this is just a guide to help you reflect):  

• What exactly makes one review more analytical, scholarly, and/or critical than the other. 

• What, in your opinion, makes one of the reviews more like “art writing” than criticism, utilizing the discussion we had in class and Charlesworth's explanation of “art writing.” 

• Does the reviewer sound like an expert in the subject or a fairly well-informed connoisseur? 

• Or does the reviewer position her/himself as an average person with no particular expertise, knowledge, or even keen interest in the subject, but is looking at it from a sort of “average person on the street” perspective? 

• For what type of audience do you think this review is written? (think in terms of age, lifestyle, ethnicity, class, and so forth) And how does the supposed audience inform or reflect the tone and approach of each piece? 

• Tone: in what ways does each review utilize tone to reinforce its critical or “art writer[ly]” approach? 

• Which appears to be more subjective? Objective? And why?  

** Always, always back up your thoughts with some example, quote, or explanation.