About the work itself:
* What is the artwork about? What is its subject matter? What is the artist trying to communicate?
* How is the artwork made? What materials and techniques are used? How do these choices affect the viewer's experience?
* What is the form of the artwork? What are its formal elements (color, shape, line, texture, etc.) and how are they arranged? How do these elements contribute to the overall effect of the work?
* What is the context of the artwork? When and where was it created? What were the social, cultural, and historical influences on the artist?
* What is the artist's intention? What was the artist trying to achieve with this work? Is it successful in achieving its goals?
About the viewer's experience:
* How does the artwork make you feel? What emotions does it evoke?
* What do you see in the artwork? What do you think is happening?
* What does the artwork mean to you? How does it relate to your own life and experiences?
About the broader art world:
* How does this artwork fit into the broader art historical context? What are its influences and connections to other artists and movements?
* How does this artwork contribute to the conversation about art? Does it raise new questions or challenge existing ideas?
* What is the value of this artwork? Is it important for its beauty, its historical significance, its intellectual content, or some other reason?
By asking these questions, the art critic can help the viewer to see and understand the artwork in new and insightful ways. They can also provide a framework for discussing and evaluating art, helping to create a deeper appreciation for its power and complexity.
It's important to note that there's no one "correct" answer to these questions. Art is subjective, and different viewers will interpret it in different ways. The art critic's role is to offer their own interpretation and analysis, encouraging the viewer to engage with the artwork in a more thoughtful way.