In-lecture Exercise

Exercise 2 – Art Critique

Applying the Constructive Criticism model

Description: The chosen artwork is a mixture of basic colours such as red, blue, yellow, white and black. The artwork was presented in tiles, in which the squared and rectangle tiles were coloured differently. On the upper right corner of the artwork, there is a huge red square which occupies 70% of the artwork. As compared to the red square, the blue and yellow shapes can only be seen at the bottom two corners. Interestingly, the white rectangles are

Analysis: At first glance, the artwork simply shows a mixture of different coloured squares and rectangles, with no symbolised meaning behind it. However, if we take a closer look, despite the random shapes and colours, the artwork evoke a sense of balance. The balance between colours and shapes gives us a sense that the relationship is mutually inclusive. The artwork does not make one feel uneasy but rather intriguing. On the top left side of the artwork, the single line appears to be thicker than the rest.

Interpretation: According to Piet Mondrian, he called this style of artwork as Neo-Plasticism. He believed his abstraction could serve as a universal pictorial language representing the dynamic, evolutionary forces that govern nature and human experience. The artwork may seem to be still, but with that single line, it brings life to the whole artwork. It also gives a harmonious feeling to the audience.

Judegement: At first glance, I do not understand the artwork as it does not symbolised anything. After understanding the history and the artist and reanalysing the artwork, I find it truly an amazing piece.