Curios About: The Art Critic by James Devlin

The Art Critic
By James Devlin
Ink on paper, 20cm x 20cm (unframed)

1. This work is about . . . Finding humour and levity in the criticism of a subjective medium, such as painting, drawing, photography, arts. A critic often furrows his brow and squints his eyes for ages over something the artist plays with.

2. I made this work because . . . I was practising simplicity and detail, and how to make something strong out of a substance as delicate as ink. With plenty of dead space for a person to imagine. I wanted to make people smile, plus I needed the exercise for my arm. I  was happy with the result.

3. I hope when people see this work they will . . . Smile, or laugh (even internally) and wonder what I was thinking when I created the piece. And wonder what an art critic would think, what they would look like and whether that look is attractive. If the piece is very successful, people might rethink how seriously they take art, and it’s critics.

4. In terms of art history, this work . . . Is quite primitive in its style and modern in its subject matter. I enjoy mixing styles that might at first glance be abrasive. I don’t get too caught up in nostalgia.

5. You can see my work . . . at The Bleeding Horse Creative Space from 12 November to 8 December, as well as on my website and on my Facebook page.

Curios [sic] About is a series featuring works by Dublin artists, curated for us by our friends at the Square in the Circle blog, and hosted there as well as here.

Each artist is asked to submit an image of one work and answer a set of questions about it. We’d love it if you’d submit something you’ve made.