Using The Feldman’s Method for Critically Analyzing a Master Photograph

What does it mean to “critically analyze” something?

Art works are images that artists have spent a lot of time thinking about and making. If we learn how to look at an artwork critically, we can begin to understand what an artist is trying to communicate to us.

We then can make an informed judgment about what we like and what we don’t like.

And, we can learn how to sound smart when talking about an artwork, instead of saying “that looks cool,” or “that looks stupid.”

The Feldman’s Method for critically analzing a work of art can be broken down into 4 simple steps.

1. Description - Describe only what you see 1. Description - Describe only what you see. - Identify only the visual facts. - Identify the kinds of elements of art you see. - Do not make any interpretations or judgments.

Describe what you see by identifying the visual facts and the relevant elements of art in the artwork below:

2. Analysis - Describe how the visual facts work together to create the artwork. - Identify the relevant principles of composition /design that occur in the work, and how they appear in the work. - Do not make any interpretations or judgments.

Identify the relevant principles of composition/design that occur in the work, and how they appear in the work.

3. Interpretation - Based upon the title of the work, the description and analysis, what do you feel this artist is trying to say in this work? - Identify the visual evidence you see in this work that will help you defend your interpretation.

Based upon the title of the work, the description and analysis, what do you feel this artist is trying to say in this work? Identify the visual evidence you see in this work that will help you defend your interpretation.

4. Judgment - Compare the work of art to another work by comparing the elements of art and principles of design between them. - Make a judgment about the work and support your judgment with sufficient reasoning (why?)

Compare the work of art to another work by comparing the elements of art and principles of design between them. - Make a judgment about the work and support your judgment with sufficient reasoning (why?)

By using the Feldman’s Method for analyzing a work of art, you can make a critical judgment about the work of art itself, and begin to understand the work more clearly yourself.

By knowing how to use your eyes critically, you will become more aware of what’s around you, and the meanings behind the things you see everyday. More importantly, you will begin to question everything you see, and take nothing for granted.

Problem Use the “Feldman’s Method for Critically Analyzing a Work of Art” worksheet to critically analyze the artwork in front of you with the other people at your table. Complete the worksheets together. Then, convert your analysis into a typed, four paragraph response.