6/4 Terry Barrett Articles

Principles for Interpreting Art - Barrett 

The article explains a series of principles that discusses interpretation of artwork.  For example, how "Artworks have 'aboutness' (Danto, 1981) and demand interpretation." and how everyone is entitled to their own interpretation, or argument about the meaning of a work.   Artworks can have varying degrees of interpretations and multiple interpretations outside of the intended meaning by the artist.  Art is always subjective to the viewer and the viewers background knowledge which lends itself to an individualized perspective.

"Good interpretations of art tell more about the artwork than they tell about the interpreter."  

Though viewers use previous knowledge to interpret a work, it does not mean that they make the work about themselves and their experiences.  The work was not created for you as an individual so you should not interpret it as such.  Though, with that said, the artwork also needs not match the intent of the artist.  As a viewer it is important to remember that the artwork is what is being interpreted, not the artist themselves. 

About Art Interpretation - for Art Education - Barrett

The article dives much deeper into the explorations of interpreting art.  Starting with, but later expanding upon, it has a lovely long list of descriptions (principles) for what it is to interpret artworks. Same as those mentioned in Principles for Interpreting Art article.   Some of my favorites include: 

"No single interpretation is exhaustive of the meaning of an artwork..."

 and 

"Good interpretations invite us to see for ourselves and to continue on our own."

Both articles relate back to the new Visual Art Curriculum discussed in class. Create, Respond, and Present.  The Barrett articles narrowed into the focus of the responding, where as Eisner and Freedman zoomed into create.  Is presenting our next reading??