Objectives

The role of evaluation and criticism is discussed in terms of two interrelated questions: Is the art worthwhile? and Who decides whether it is worthwhile?

After reading this chapter you should be able to:

• Define and discuss the role of evaluation and criticism in art.
• Understand how subjectivity affects our response to the visual arts.
• Discuss how cultural and historic perspectives affect our response to art.
• Discuss the role of the critic.
• Discuss the role of the museum.