SHARKFORUM: OPINION WITH TEETH

I couldn't help thinking that the article Princenthal wrote was not only applicable to critics but to artists as well, concerning in particular, their working methodologies. Especially when she refers to Peter Plagens comments on 3 types of critics: Evangelists, Cartographers and Goalies and when Princenthal concludes by saying, "There is a vaguely colonial feeling to all of them - of bold explorers setting sail, conquering new worlds, mapping what they've found, converting the unenlightened, setting up rules of governance, substantiating the pedigree of the elect, and, finally, regulating the admission of newcomers."

I also liked when she says, "The guiding question shouldn't be, why write criticism, but why make art? Sorting out the answer is where the privilege - which is immense - of being a critic lies. To participate in that dialogue, and find oneself involved in formative discussions about how art is conceived, is an honor and powerful incentive."

Kevin Freitas

Good point Kevin, about artists. The methodologies probably apply to the rest of the artworld "citizens" too, beyond critics and artists, even though her points are most apprprate to critics. You cite a well-chosen selection from the article too. As I said, everybody go read it!