Renowned critic-of-criticism to host symposium

Some days, everyone’s a critic. But if they are, what sort of influence do they wield?

And on whom?
And why is that important?

A field of respected art critics, scholars, curators and historians from across the country will converge on campus Thursday and Friday, Nov. 11 and 12, for a special symposium on contemporary art criticism and culture.

Organized and hosted by art critic/curator Michael Brenson, this fall’s interdisciplinary artist-in-residence, the symposium will explore issues such as critical authority and the interests it serves; ways in which arts criticism have shaped the careers of artists; and the thinking of curators.

Not a moment too soon, Brenson says. His class, Critical Issues in Arts Criticism from Rodin through the Present, aims to influence a new generation by exploring approaches to writing criticism and defining the new frontiers for art critics.

“Art criticism is failing miserably to meet the challenges of this time,” he says. “American art, artists and arts institutions are struggling because so few critics have been willing to participate in the struggle and examine their role in its development and outcome. Art criticism, as a whole, is in trouble.”

This critic-of-criticism has spent his career devising forums for the explorations of urgent artistic and cultural issues. His venues have included The New York Times and the Rockefeller Foundation. He now is an independent critic, educator and scholar.

The symposium begins with Brenson’s keynote address at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11, followed by a reception in the Elvehjem’s Paige Court. Two sessions will be held Nov. 12: “Models of Critical Power,” beginning at 9:30 a.m., and “Criticism in History” at 1 p.m.

Sessions are free, open to the public and will be held in L160 Elvehjem. For a schedule or information, visit http://lvm.wisc.edu/News/PressReleases/Brenson_Symposium.html or call 263-2246.