“For all criticism is based on that equation: KNOWLEDGE + TASTE = MEANINGFUL JUDGMENT. The key word here is meaningful. People who have strong reactions to a work—and most of us do—but don’t possess the wider erudition that can give an opinion heft, are not critics. (This is why a great deal of online reviewing by readers isn’t criticism proper.) Nor are those who have tremendous erudition but lack the taste or temperament that could give their judgment authority in the eyes of other people, people who are not experts. (This is why so many academic scholars are no good at reviewing for mainstream audiences.) …The role of the critic, I repeat, is to mediate intelligently and stylishly between a work and its audience; to educate and edify in an engaging and, preferably, entertaining way. (Critics, more than any other kind of writer, should have a sense of humor.)” – Daniel Mendelsohn
“What the critic has to give is the fruits of looking laggardly, an attention that appears in increasingly lesser quantities today, a long and sustained commitment to coaxing meaning from mute objects. Though we “pay” attention, our attention need not be regulated by the industrial logic of clock time. What the critic has to offer is her own subjectivity, her own careful, glacial experience of a work of art, especially ones that do not immediately break open to the spectator’s gaze…But for now, what I’m calling for is criticism as temporary communion rather than appraisal. A criticism that’s slow, descriptive, subjective, a criticism that values process and experience over judgement and whose language is as intricate as its looking. Our eyes still have to adjust. We have to slow down. We have to lose ourselves.” – Anya Ventura
Most people have experiences with cultural criticism through critiques on writings, films, music, dances and many other different forms of art. The questions are: Who are the critics and what are they criticizing for? What are they supposed to do for us? There are certainly a number of different opinions on what cultural criticism is and what a cultural critic does.
The quotes above from Daniel Mendelsohn and Anya Ventura represent two of the different opinions on cultural criticism and critics. They both agree in their view of the critic as a positive force for both an artwork and its audiences. On the contrary, while Mendelsohn sees the critic as someone who edifies and educates its audience and provides judgment, Ventura sees the critic as someone who helps other spectators to focus slow attention toward an artwork. Together, both views shed light on whether the critic’s priority is to provide a judgment on a work, or to evoke a slow, descriptive attention toward work.
Mendelsohn sees the critic’s role in educating and edifying audience by providing a meaningful judgment through one’s critique. As the quote shows, he believes that a critic is someone who possess both knowledge and taste, or sensibility, that either of the scholars or the general spectators have. Therefore, in Mendelsohn’s view, a critic is positioned completely differently from both an artwork and its audience; he is the mediator who stays in between them to provide judgment. In this relationship, the critic’s priority is to judge an artwork.
On the other hand, Anya Ventura sees the critic as someone who assists spectators in slowly and attentively experiencing a work, before rushing to its judgment. Furthermore, she believes criticism to be a “temporary communion” rather than “appraisal.” Although Ventura’s view states critics as people who “offer” their own subjectivity or experience of a work of art to other spectators, and are therefore somewhat superior to the general spectators in experiencing art, they are never teachers or judges of art. Criticism, to Ventura, is the redirection of attention toward work of art, and the experience of work itself, rather than a judgment on a work of art.
Throughout both articles, judgment, or appraisal, emerges as one of the key issues in defining criticism. Mendelsohn puts the highest priority in judgment while Ventura stresses the importance of process and experience over judgment. The idea of judgment further opens up the discussion of the power relationship between the critic and a work’s audience. The idea of judgment is crucial since if one is believed to be in the position of judging something, that person obtains the power to rule something; however, that judgment can also be flawed. As Bruno Latour writes in “Why Has Critique Run Out of Steam?”, some critics write critiques that are at the level of groundless conspiracy theory. Therefore, as in Mendelsohn’s case, if the critic’s main goal is to judge a work of art and to teach its audience, there should be a more discussion on who is qualified to teach and judge, since teaching and judging are more dangerous than simply offering one’s subjectivity to help others better experience a work of art.
To sum up, Mendelsohn believes that the critic’s job is to provide a meaningful judgment capable through the critics’ expertise and taste in a work of art. Anya Ventura sees the cultural critic and the cultural criticism as something that puts process and experience of a work of art before the judgment of it. It is important, overall, to note that judging something and teaching someone should always be approached carefully, as wrong judgment and teachings would always be highly detrimental to the art of criticism.
- Anya Ventura, “Slow Criticism: Art in the Age of Post-Judgement,” Temporary Art Review, 15 February 2016, http://temporaryartreview.com/slow-criticism-art-in-the-age-of-post-judgement/
- Daniel Mendelsohn, “A Critic’s Manifesto,” New Yorker, 28 August 2012, http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/a-critics-manifesto
- Bruno Latour, “Why Has Critique Run Out of Steam? From Matters of Fact to Matters of Concern,” Critical Inquiry30 (2004), 225–48.
1,919 Comments
slot Mekar55
The post is well-written and offers valuable information for me. SV88
slot Mekar55 gacor
situs slot gacor
I recently stumbled upon this amazing website, sunwin, and I couldn’t be more impressed! The content is not only informative but also presented in a visually appealing way. I love how they provide valuable insights and keep their audience engaged. If you’re looking for a reliable source of information, definitely check out sunwin! Can’t wait to explore more of what they have to offer.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information! In today’s digital age, online security is crucial, and a Free VPN can be a game-changer. I recently discovered the benefits of using a VPN, and it has provided me with a secure and private internet experience. For those looking for a reliable Free VPN option, I highly recommend checking out the one mentioned in the article: Free VPN. It’s user-friendly, efficient, and most importantly, it helps protect your online identity. Stay safe online, everyone!
Wow really awesome Buy alprazolam online
Hey there! I recently stumbled upon this intriguing article discussing the importance of quality sleep for overall well-being. It got me thinking about how essential it is to address sleep issues. For those struggling with insomnia or sleep disorders, the option to buy Ambien online with overnight delivery seems like a convenient solution. It’s crucial to prioritize our sleep health, and I appreciate the information shared in this post. Sweet dreams to all.
This is often nice blog post and even i enjoy to enjoy a book it blog post. your site is without a doubt fabulous and you just contain decent office staff ınside your web log. attractive writing continue the good work. Talent profiles hosting
1688starbet
1688starbet (https://www.1688starbet.com/)
คาสิโน ออนไลน์ เป็นเว็บไซต์อันดับ 1 ของประเทศไทย สำหรับคนที่ชอบเล่นคาสิโน ออนไลน์และสล็อต ออนไลน์ ผ่านทางเว็บไซต์ STAR BETTHAI เป็นเว็บพนันที่ดีที่สุดอย่าง 1688Star bet รวมของเกมคาสิโนและสล็อต ออนไลน์ต่างๆ ยอดฮิตมากมาย เช่น บาคาร่า เสือมังกร รูเล็ต แบล็คแจ็ค สล็อต และเกมอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย ให้ท่านสามารถเลือกเล่นได้ตามที่ต้องการ อย่างสนุกสนาน คาสิโน ออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุด และ ครบวงจร มากที่สุด เต็มไปด้วยเกมคาสิโนและสล็อต ออนไลน์ มีระบบธุรกรรมการเงินที่มั่นคง ด้วยระบบฝาก – ุถอนอัตโนมัติ
situs slot gacor adalah sebuah situs permainan online yang mendominasi di slot gacor seluruh indonesia
Mu88 là đối tác tài trợ độc quyền của đội bóng nổi tiếng Manchester United. J88
Mu88 là đối tác tài trợ độc quyền của đội bóng nổi tiếng Manchester United. Mu88
situs slot gol33 gacor
situs Mekar55 gacor
situs slot gacor GOKU55 adalah daftar situs taruhan game online terpercaya yang memiliki daftar permainan game slot online mudah menang
situs slot gacor GOKU55 adalah daftar situs taruhan game online terpercaya yang memiliki daftar permainan slot online gacor mudah menang
Hi,
I hope you’re doing well! Meet us — The Outreachers. As an agency, we offer guest posting services and would love to work with you [ sites.northwestern.edu ] with mutual interests in mind.
But wait! Are we just looking for the do-follow backlinks? No. We’re also willing to provide good quality, plagiarism-free content that brings valuable insights to your readership.
Lastly, let’s talk about the editorial fee. Please don’t worry about that. We’ll cover it.
We’re grateful for your time and consideration. Hopefully, we’ll be collaborating soon!
Thanks & best regards,
Email Communications Team,
The Outreachers
informative website also visit
Aicsm
Grateful for the unique insights you’ve provided, and excited about the prospect of consistently receiving your valuable and informative updates in the future.
https://stevefoleylaw.com/
https://stevefoleylaw.com/car-accidents/
I recently discovered 789club.me and I’m completely hooked! The variety of games available is amazing, and the user experience is top-notch. Whether you’re into slots, live games, or sports betting, they’ve got something for everyone.
Incredible review, I’m certain you’re getting an extraordinary reaction. sell iPhone
An Egyptian website that contains the latest and most important topics in all fields. Our goal is to provide strong Arabic content of interest to everyone, and we hope to be the largest Egyptian website and youth gathering on the Internet.
فاصل نيوز
Positive webpage, where did u think of the data on this posting?I have perused a couple of the articles on your site now, and I truly like your style. You rock and please keep up the successful work. 먹튀검증
Brilliant .. Astounding .. I’ll bookmark your online journal and take the nourishes likewise… I’m glad to discover such a large number of valuable information here in the post, we need work out more procedures in such manner, much obliged for sharing. Discounts
I am glad to discover this post Very valuable for me, as it contains part of data. I Always like to peruse The Quality and happy I discovered this thing in you post. Much appreciated Discounts
A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing this data. I truly like your blog entry all that much. You have truly shared a useful and intriguing blog entry with individuals.. Discounts
criminal defense lawyer Denton TX
criminal defense attorney denton
criminal defense attorney denton
criminal lawyers in denton tx
Denton criminal defense attorney
https://www.brentbowen.com/
يلتزممصنع الوليد المتخصص في بيع شرنك حراري بالمعايير البيئية والصحية وتوفير منتجات صديقة للبيئة وآمنة للاستخدام ويعتبر التغليف الحراري هو عملية تستخدم لتغليف المواد باستخدام حرارة. يتم ذلك عن طريق تعريض المواد إلى حرارة عالية لتشكيلها حول المنتج أو العبوة المراد تغليفها. يتم ذلك عادة باستخدام آلات خاصة تسمى آلات تغليف حراري ويعتبر مصنع الوليد من المصانع الرائدة في تصنيع هذا النوع من رولات استرتش صناعي
I’m encouraged while using surpassing along with preachy list that you just adorn such minor timing. First Time Central Heating Grants
I’m impressed aided by the surpassing not to mention preachy advertising for which you embellish in such bit timing. External Wall Insulation Grants
Need reliable finance assignment help service? Our team of experts delivers quality assistance for all your finance assignment needs.
https://financeassignmentshelp.com
🍯Online baccarat is easy to play and is talked about by many people. Get real money for sure 💯% can make real profits. Guaranteed by more than 1 million real players Apply for membership▶▶บาคาร่า
🦋Baccarat, popular in the Thai industry. The most stable finances in the country Low investment promotion, play all day.
บาคาร่าเว็บตรง
i’m now not positive wherein you have become 918kissauto
your records, สล็อตออนไลน์
however appropriate topic. JILI WALLET
I wishes to spend a while gaining knowledge of greater JOKER AUTO WALLET
or running out greater. JOKER WALLET
Thank you for terrific statistics Live22 auto
i was looking for this statistics for my assignment. MEGA888 AUTO
A totally excellent weblog put up. PG SLOT AUTO
We’re honestly grateful to your blog put up. PG SLOT AUTO WALLET
You’ll discover lots of procedures pussyslot
after journeying your submit. เว็บสล็อต 168 ฝาก ถอน true wallet
I used to be precisely trying to find. สล็อตวอเลท
Thanks for such publish please preserve it up. slotxo wallet
I’m for the first time right here. สล็อต ฝาก-ถอน true wallet ไม่มี บัญชีธนาคาร
I discovered this board i in locating สล็อตเว็บตรง
it definitely beneficial it helped me out plenty. PUSSY888 เว็บตรง
I’m hoping to provide something back assist others 918KISS AUTO