Let's Talk about Critique: Reimagining Art and Design Education

This book explores the tradition of critique in art and design education. It examines how critique, as a signature pedagogy in the field, has evolved, how it falls short, and what else it can be. Current practices are contextualized and suggestions are made for ways to have more open, inclusive and dynamic classroom conversations about art and design. Included is a discussion of the history of critique, grounding current practice in the discipline’s history, the field of education, and characteristics of contemporary students. The book is designed to be useful, with an array of critique methods, written by experienced arts educators. Each one guides the reader through a method, describing “why you might do it this way” and “for what group, purpose, or type of assignment”. The text explores what the art critique is, and what it can be, offering practical, updated approaches for faculty and students seeking more educationally beneficial and nuanced critique