How to Write an Art Exhibition Review

Viewing the Exhibit

1. Read your assignment sheet before reviewing the exhibit for a class. Read your assignment sheet at least twice to make sure you understand what your instructor expects. They may want you to focus on certain features of the exhibit, depending on the topic of the class. Review the criteria they'll use to grade the assignment so you'll get full credit.^[1]

   1. If you have any questions, ask your instructor so that you don't accidentally make an error on your assignment.

2. Walk through the exhibit gallery to make observations about the art. Block off 1-2 hours to experience the art exhibit so you have plenty of time to examine the artwork. Move through the exhibit slowly, examining each piece of artwork. Additionally, watch how other people are reacting to the exhibit.^[2]

   1. Make several passes through the exhibit so you can make new observations and connections between the works.
   2. Look at the art from different angles and distances. While it's important to examine each piece closely, you also want to take in the entire exhibit as a whole to see how the artist evoked their theme.
   EXPERT TIP

   Kelly Medford

   Plein Air Painter

   Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.

   Kelly Medford
   Plein Air Painter

   Look at each art piece with an open mind. Kelly Medford, a plein air painter, says: 'When you're critiquing someone's piece remember that every artist is an artist and just because you wouldn't have made it that way, doesn't mean the art is any less valid or important. Look at all the art with an open mind and then think about your initial reaction. Is it a visceral reaction? What does the art remind you of or what do you think it's communicating? Identify what rhythms are happening and let yourself enter into the world of the art with no preconceptions.'

3. Take notes on the description, form, content, and your impressions. Be as detailed as possible so you can use your notes to write the full review. Write down the medium, materials, and techniques used to create the piece. Then, note the title and theme of each work. Finally, record your reaction to the art, how it made you feel, and what worked or didn't work within the piece.^[3]

   1. Document how the artist created each image, such as how they used lines, shapes, colors, shading, textures, patterns, and light. You'll use this information to develop your discussion on form.

   Ask yourself questions like:

   Why are the works of art ordered or arranged this way?

   Does a particular work stand out from the rest?

   Is there a theme or a subtext to the exhibition?

   Does the theme or thesis become obvious as I walk through the space?

   How is this exhibition different from others I've seen?

4. Identify the main idea and important themes of the exhibit. Write down your own impressions of the exhibit's main idea and themes. Then, read the artist statement and exhibit description provided by the gallery to learn the artist's intended themes. Compare your interpretation of the exhibit to the artist's intentions.^[4]

   1. Ask yourself questions like the following: Based on what I see, what do I think the artist is trying to say? What does the exhibit make me think about? How do I feel?

5. Talk to a docent or curator to learn more about the exhibit. A docent or curator will have more in-depth knowledge about the exhibit that they'll be happy to share. A docent can tell you the information they normally point out to visitors. Similarly, a curator can give you more insight into the installation process and the challenges they faced. Ask to talk to a docent or curator and take notes on what they say.^[5]

   1. Ask a docent questions like, 'What was the artist hoping to achieve in this exhibit?' 'What inspired the artist to create these works?' and 'What are the core pieces of this exhibit?'
   2. Ask a curator questions like, 'Why did you arrange the artwork like this?' 'What challenges did you face while installing the exhibit?' and 'What instructions did the artist give for hanging their work?'

6. Notice how others are reacting to the art for the spectator response. While you don't need to include spectator responses in your review, it may help you bolster your own critique of the show. Similarly, it might help you make your review more relatable if you're writing it for a publication. Watch how others are reacting to the exhibit and write down the things you hear them say.^[6]

   1. For instance, do you notice visitors avoiding a certain piece? Are they drawn to some pieces more than others? Which pieces are generating conversation? What types of comments do you overhear?
   2. If you're planning to publish your review, ask fellow visitors to give you quotes that you can use for your review. Get their name so you can credit them.

7. Talk to the artist if they're present at the exhibit. If you attend on opening night, you may meet the artist. If so, chat with them about what inspired their work, what they hope the audience will experience, and how they created their work. Take notes on what they say so you can use this information to write your review.^[7]

   1. Wait until after you view the exhibit so that your initial impressions aren't influenced by the artist.

   Tip: Read the artist statement for more insight into what inspired the exhibit.

8. Read other reviews on the exhibition to find out what critics are saying. Do a quick Internet search to find out what other critics are saying about the exhibit. If it's a traveling exhibit, look at the reviews from prior installations. Use their ideas to help you complete your own analysis of the exhibit, but make sure you draw your own conclusions.^[8]

   1. Your review should focus on your own ideas, not on what other people said.