CRIT CHAN PROCESS

1. 1. Identify Key Types of Claims

2. Art texts often include different kinds of information:
3. Factual Claims: Names of artists, exhibitions, artworks, dates, and locations.
4. Descriptive Details: Techniques, materials, themes, and visual aspects of artworks.
5. Interpretive or Subjective Statements: Opinions about meaning, quality, or significance.
6. Contextual and Historical References: Broader claims about art movements, socio-political issues, or trends.

8. 2. Check Factual Accuracy

9. For objective and verifiable information:
10. Artist Names, Works, and Exhibitions:
    1. Verify using reliable sources like official museum websites, gallery press releases, or 'reputable' art publications (e.g., Artforum, Hyperallergic, Frieze).
    2. Cross-reference with artist archives, catalogs raisonnés, or exhibition brochures if available.
11. Dates and Locations:
    1. Look up exhibition dates and locations in press releases, museum calendars, or art databases like ArtNet or ArtFacts.
12. Institutional or Event Information:
    1. Confirm claims about biennials, galleries, or museums through their official communications.

14. 3. Analyze Descriptive Details

15. Visual Descriptions:
    1. Check for image documentation of the artwork in catalogs, archives, or exhibition reviews. Do the described elements (e.g., materials, imagery, text) appear in the work?
16. Materials and Methods:
    1. Consult artist interviews, gallery notes, or academic essays for verification of how works were created.

18. 4. Assess Subjective Statements

19. Interpretation and Critique:
    1. Determine if the author’s interpretation aligns with existing critical discourse about the artist or movement. While subjective opinions can’t be “fact-checked,” they should be informed by evidence from the artwork or the artist’s statements.
20. Bias and Hyperbole:
    1. Consider the tone and context. Claims like “art has become stagnant” or “art should amplify marginalized voices” are broad opinions but may reflect real trends. Look for supporting data in curatorial essays or art criticism.

22. 5. Verify Historical and Contextual Claims

23. Historical References:
    1. For references to past art movements (e.g., Dada, Modernism, Postmodernism), check reliable art history texts like The Story of Art (Gombrich) or specialized publications.
24. Cultural or Political Context:
    1. Ensure claims about socio-political events or themes are accurate by referencing trusted news sources, scholarly articles, or journals like October.
25. Trends in Contemporary Art:
    1. Analyze claims in the context of recent art discourse. Statements like “art has turned toward identity politics” can be cross-checked with essays, critical reviews, or industry analysis.

27. 6. Evaluate Sources

28. Prioritize reputable, authoritative sources:
29. Primary Sources: Artist statements, exhibition materials, curatorial essays, or direct interviews.
30. Secondary Sources: Reviews in established art magazines, scholarly articles, or books by respected critics.
31. Avoid: Unverified blogs, social media posts, or opinionated rants unless corroborated by stronger sources.

33. 7. Look for Patterns and Cross-References

34. Consistency Across Sources:
    1. If multiple reputable sources corroborate a claim, it is likely true.
35. Contradictions:
    1. Note inconsistencies and dig deeper. For example, differing dates for an exhibition might require checking multiple catalogs.

37. 8. Consult 'Experts'

38. For complex claims:
39. Reach out to experts in art history, curators, or archivists. Online platforms like JSTOR or academic resources can provide in-depth analysis.

41. 9. Contextualize Artistic 'Trends'

42. Contemporary art is deeply tied to broader cultural, political, and economic systems. Claims about the art world’s focus on identity, decolonization, or other trends should be cross-referenced with critical essays and conference discussions from institutions like the Venice Biennale or Documenta.

44. 10. Present Nuanced Findings

45. Clarify factual findings and distinguish them from interpretation or opinion.
46. Highlight areas of uncertainty or debate. For instance, note when an opinion aligns with broader critical discourse or when it’s an outlier.