MEET THE
EXPER T S Robert Pincus
“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots.”
— Frank A. Clark
Unlike any other decade before this, information has never been so readily available. While word-of-mouth used to play a key role in determining whether something was worth our time, society has now become reliant on technology. However quick technological advances may seem though, the information is still coming from somewhere, someone.
Like any other field, art, specifically visual arts, is one that primarily relies on its audience. A painting, a sculpture, or an exhibit is meant to be seen, to be viewed, to be experienced. As with technology, art can sometimes be overwhelming, as quantity sometimes surpasses quality.
How does one know what to expect from a certain exhibition and more importantly, if it is worth the admission?
Enter the world of art criticism. Contrary to journalism, one isn’t simply being given a report, but instead a glimpse of what can be expected. An insatiable desire to experience art may be awakened after a few short paragraphs. Some stories tell, but great ones show.
Robert Pincus, former Art Critic for the
San Diego Union Tribune, has been showing others the way for just over 30 years.
“The excitement in art criticism is that you are tapping into the idea that you might
EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES
interest people in art that don’t otherwise think about art that much, which they then need to see for themselves,” he said. Art criticism can be considered optional reading, as it is not something most would feel compelled to follow. You really have to grab the audience quickly, even when the art itself isn’t as captivating. What is interesting in the fact that it is not interesting?
There is a way to be negative and a way to be constructive. With the knowledge that an artist is sticking their neck out and wearing their heart on their sleeve, art emits a respect for the artist that puts themselves and their work out there.
“I would have never gotten into writing [about] art if I didn’t love art,” he said. “The motivation is your love of art. Never simply to entertain the reader at the expense of the artist or to make yourself look clever. It’s about making a bridge between the artists’ work and the audience.”
That bridge is something seen less and less as art writing and reviewing has experienced a decline in past years. Ironically enough, audience numbers have risen.
“More art reviewing would be beneficial to everyone in regards to nurturing art and an art audience.”
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