Overview

Criticism derives from the Greek word kritikos, 'one who delivers a verdict'. However, in a recent poll of practicing art critics, seventy-five percent reported that rendering judgments on artworks was the least significant aspect of their job. This is a concerning statistic for philosopher and critic Noel Carroll, who argues that that the proper task of the critic is not simply to describe, or to uncover hidden meanings or agendas, but ultimately determine what is of value in art. With clarity with panache, Carroll argues for a humanistic conception of criticism which focuses on what the artist has achieved by creating or performing the work, as in painting or dance - the performance itself being the object of criticism. Whilst a good critic should not neglect to contextualize and offer interpretations of a work of art, he argues that too much recent criticism has ignored the fundamental role of the artist's intentions.Carroll fleshes out his argument with excellent examples from visual, performing and literary arts, including films such as ""Memento"" and"" Sunset Blvd"", art works by El Greco, Manet, and Andy Warhol, and performances such as Ballanchine's ""Four Temperaments"", and Mark Morris's ""Mozart Dances"". Drawing on his formidable knowledge of the worlds of art, criticism, and philosophy, Noel Carroll provides a charming, erudite and immensely persuasive argument that appraisal and evaluation of art are an indispensable part of the conversation of life.

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9780415396202

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This book is badly needed, as much by critics as those who read them, as much by teachers of criticism as those who would like to write criticism. - Arthur C. Danto This little book runs directly counter to the modern orthodoxy that proper art criticism is all about interpretation and contextualizing. With admirable clarity and disarming candor, it defends the unfashionable view that the heart of art criticism is giving reasoned evaluations of artistic achievement. Everything else passing under this label -- from gender theory to Derridean deconstruction -- is secondary. What makes the book specially persuasive is Noel Carroll's unrivalled expertise in all things aesthetic. - Gordon Graham, Princeton University

'This book is badly needed, as much by critics as those who read them, as much by teachers of criticism as those who would like to write criticism.' - Arthur C. Danto, Art Critic, The Nation 'This little book runs directly counter to the modern orthodoxy that proper art criticism is all about interpretation and contextualizing. With admirable clarity and disarming candor, it defends the unfashionable view that the heart of art criticism is giving reasoned evaluations of artistic achievement. Everything else passing under this label -- from gender theory to Derridean deconstruction -- is secondary. What makes the book specially persuasive is Noel Carroll's unrivalled expertise in all things aesthetic.' - Gordon Graham, Princeton University, USA

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Temple University, USA

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