How do reviews from 1998 compare to those of 2020? Do we feel that things are still fundamentally the same? Or is it the opposite? How has art criticism and the discourse about art evolved in the last 20 years? What appears to be the role of criticism and what can be takeaways for an institution who may be subject to critique?
These are some of the questions we want to discuss at Crit Cross. A Forum on Art Criticism #10.
For the first Crit Cross in 2020, Verein K will be a guest with the Secession Member’s Club, which will exceptionally open its doors to the participants of Crit Cross.
We chose exemplary reviews from the archive. Two exhibitions are in focus: the recent Tala Madani show “Shit Moms” and the show “Sod and Sodie Sock Comp O.S.O.” by Mike Kelley/Paul McCarthy from 1998.
About Crit Cross:
Crit Cross. A Forum on Art Criticism is an open discussion group of current writing about art organized by Verein K in Vienna. It aims at creating a platform for the sustainable promotion of art- and sociocritical dialogue as well as art-related topics in Vienna. The premise of the project is that art texts are part of a social discourse, which also thrives on direct exchange. We believe that critical reflections on art and society are essential at a time when art is under pressure of justification in the face of shrinking resources and political change. In each session, texts from international and national art magazines, newspapers, blogs and other publications are selected, prepared and discussed. Twice a year, international critics are invited to put their own texts up for discussion to allow for a direct exchange with international representatives of art criticism in Vienna. The events take place in different art and cultural institutions in Vienna (Belvedere 21, Depot, Kunsthalle Wien, mumok – and now Secession).
For questions and suggestions get in touch with us at critcross@verein-k.net.
For more information and to download the reviews, please visit: http://verein-k.net/wp/crit-cross/