AHMS 1000

First Written Assignment

Due: Feb 25
Subjective Critical Response
Spring 2016
Your first assignment in the course is to experience one of two contemporary art exhibitions and
to write about either one of them. The result will be much like an art review that you might find
in an art journal or a newspaper. The first in the Main Gallery of the University of Lethbridge,
entitled Works for the Drawing Bar, (do not confuse this with the upcoming show entitled Works
from the Drawing Bat) features a variety of drawings in various media. To avoid trying to cover
all of the material in the exhibition, you may select any two or three of the works in the
exhibition and focus on them as exemplary of the overall theme. The second, in the gallery at
CASA, deals with completely differing themes, and is more contemporary in nature, being from
former students from Uleth art department. It is entitled Bridge. Again, comment on the entire
exhibition but focus on two or three works as exemplary. You must either select one of these
options, but not both.
Your first approach should be to visit the exhibitions. Begin by experiencing the overall concept,
and move on to selecting works within the shows that speak to you. To assist you in grasping
what the works and the overall exhibition are saying, educational information is available in the
galleries. You may consult these written sources. Your task, however, is not to summarize or
quote from this material, but rather to express your own responses. Thus make detailed notes on
the works you have selected. If you find yourself short of ideas, discuss them with someone you
know. Ask their opinions. Begin writing.
The opening paragraph of your essay is very important. It must perform several functions. Along
with engaging the reader it must identify the exhibition and explain its theme(s). Clearly identify
the works you have chosen as exemplary, giving the artist and title, the media, and the size. A
thesis statement, which can be more than one sentence, should give the reader a vivid insight into
the issues the show raises and make them want to read further.
In the body of the essay describe the works, that is, give complete details about the imagery,
iconography, and handling of the material, the process of construction of the two (three) works
and any other features you find important. You may either describe each work separately or do a
point by point contrast and comparison. Translate your experience from the broadest experience
to the finest focus. Finish with a conclusion which draws the points made in the whole essay
together. Remember that this is not a series of unrelated observations; the whole must add up to
the thesis statement. Iconography and formal qualities, and their relationships, as well as the
materials and processes are all of importance here.
Although this is called a subjective response, it actually asks you to objectively observe and
analyze the works in question. You must avoid the first person singular or plural, e.g. phrases
with I or we, or the alternative, you. Do not begin with, I visited the art gallery and the
first two works that appealed to me were these. I liked them a lot because I thought they
reminded me of my . . ., and so on. Rather, step aside and allow the works to speak through

you. Also, avoid catchall phrases like the works appeal to the viewer because or the viewer
(or you) may see. . . Rather, be specific and focus on the works. Avoid overly general
statements such as Artists from all times and all places have created great works of art which
have had many meanings. . ., or anything of the sort. Get right to the works in question.
Remember the task is to create an interest in the work in the reader and inform them about it,
what it has to say, and how the artist uses their creative powers to say it. It is not meant as a
judgment of the work, but rather an explication, interpretation or translation.
The essay must be a minimum of 1200 words. This is not a guideline, it is a minimum. The
response must be in your own words. You may certainly search for ideas that you can use in
the written material that will accompany each of these exhibitions, but you may not quote it
directly. You may paraphrase education panels, which means re-stating it in a different form.
But I am primarily interested in your own responses to the works. This does not mean you
cannot use a term just because it appears in the text panels. But your discussion of the term must
be your own. Consequently, no footnotes or references are required, nor should any appear.
No honest and considered response to any art work is wrong. It can, however, be more or less
well thought out, observed, and/or articulated. Thus, as with any essay, presentation is a major
component. Organize your ideas carefully. Meanings must be clear. Rewrite, proofread and edit
your paper with care. It is possible to fail the assignment on grammatical, spelling and
compositional errors.
Remember that the assignment must be handed in on time in order to pass. If your assignment
does not turn up by 4:30 at my office door, on the due date, i.e. Feb. 25, it will be assumed that
you have withdrawn from the class. Begin now! Do not leave it until the last minute. In the
first week, you should have visited the galleries, chosen your exhibition, and begun making
notes; by the end of the second week, you should have a rough full length draft, the third week
should see the rewrites and the fourth, the final polishing.
Papers must be handed in by the due date by 4:30 in order the pass the course. There are no
extensions. Dont ask.