Feldman Analysis (DAIJ)
It is important for us to be able to evaluate art. As creators, we need to be able to explain and interpret artwork and images. Identify what is good and what is bad, so that we may improve and become more successful at our craft.
D A I J – Describe Analyse Interpret Judge – a simple 4 step structure of the criticism of art (created by Edmund Feldman)
D -Describe: what do you see in the image?
In your descriptive sentences you can address some or all of the following:
- Subject/s
- Foreground/Background
- Perspective/Camera Angle
- Main focus
- Colour
A – Analysis. Analysis refers to how we see the elements and principles of art.
Think about why the photographer emphasized certain elements and not others? What’s in focus? Is only one person or element in focus, or are many elements in focus? What is the purpose of the image?
Are some of these elements more successful than others?
I – Interpretation. In this step, we explore the meaning of the artwork. What is the artist trying to communicate to us? What is the message or story in the artwork? There are no wrong responses here.
J – Judgment. The last step in art criticism is judgment. Is this work of art successful? The work of art may not be your favourite, but it may still be successful. We need to be able to appreciate good art, even if we personally do not like it. Make a judgment about the value, the significance and the importance of the photograph.
You may like to use the below outline as a starting point:
Lets practice as a class:
Photography with Tiffany 