How to Critique Art Quilts
- 1). Examine the piece from many perspectives. Quilts are multifaceted objects that may incorporate many layers. Try to get a mental image of the quilt in three dimensions, rather than simply appraising the patterns or images depicted on the front face of the quilt.
- 2). Consider the title or name of the work. How does the choice of title affect your reception of the quilt? Think about what kind of ideas, images or stories the quilter might be invoking through their work. If the quilt depicts a scene or object, consider the ways in which the title may relate directly to the depicted image.
- 3). Investigate the materials used to create the piece. An art quilt might incorporate many unusual types of fabric such as carpet, clothing or synthetic materials. Think about the source of the materials used in the quilt and what meaning this may signify in relation to the work. Perhaps the artist has included articles of her own clothing, or the clothing of her loved ones in the work? Does the choice of material have an affect on how viewers respond to the quilt?
- 4). Examine the stitching. One of the major components of quilting is the style of stitching that is used. Exotic stitching patterns may be part of the artist's work. Stitching patterns can also speak to the feelings and commitment of the artist during their work. Poor stitching can be a point of contention when working on a critique.
- 5). Contrast the work against other pieces by the same quilter. Many artists work with common themes or subject matters, which can create an interconnected nature between their various pieces of art. Look to other quilts by the same quilter to expand on your understanding of the quilt, and how it fits into the artist's body of work as a whole.
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