critical essay writing

In this course, we will engage with critical essayistic writing on art. The term "essay" derives from the French verb "essayer" (to try, to attempt), and is characterized by an experimental, creative, and intellectual mode of writing that is not confined to a clearly defined genre in advance. Based on this working assumption, we will examine the foundations of essayistic writing, exploring its various characteristics: intellectual inquiry, interpretive and theoretical dimensions, internal narrativity, and dialogue with texts, objects, and other works.

In what way does the essay simultaneously explore and create — how does it shape new critical thought? In each session we will examine a unique essay dealing with a particular subject and artistic medium: writing on painting, dance, photography, musical time, curatorial work; writing on architecture, on contemporary technology, or personal writing that touches on the human condition itself.

We will offer short writing exercises, and will set aside time for shared reading and discussion circles that allow for developing ideas and diverse modes of writing, with the goal of producing an original, well-crafted text of value by the end of the semester.