Artful ATL Prep Companion Article: The Necessary Discomfort of Critique
Just four weeks remain until Artful ATL on June 7th, and the critique process provides crucial direction for my final selections and presentation decisions.
"I hate criticism. I mean, REALLY don't like to be criticized. But when it comes to art, critique is very important."
This tension—between the discomfort of receiving feedback and its necessity for artistic growth—lies at the heart of my preparation for Artful ATL. In the video below, I share my recent experience with a critique session that came at precisely the right moment in my exhibition journey.
The Video: Embracing Critique
The Perfect Timing
With just four weeks remaining until the June 7th exhibition at Atlanta Contemporary, I participated in a critique organized specifically for Artful ATL artists. Three prominent art figures—recognized not only in Atlanta but nationally and globally—reviewed our work and provided feedback at this crucial decision-making stage.
The timing couldn't have been better. I'm at the precise point of finalizing which Vanishing Point images will make the cut and determining how they'll be presented. As I mentioned in Part 1 of this series, I had about 5-6 strong candidates with several others under consideration.
Expecting the Unexpected
One of the most valuable aspects of critique is its unpredictability. As I note in the video, "I rarely hear what I expect to hear, but I always hear what I need to hear."
This critique was no exception. One image I had mentally confirmed for the show received feedback that it didn't quite fit stylistically with the others. This unexpected insight is now reshaping my final selection.
Sometimes critique confirms what you've been quietly wondering about. Other times, it reveals aspects of your work you hadn't recognized—breaking creative blocks and opening new possibilities.
Setting Clear Goals for Critique
For critique to be most effective, you need to know what specific feedback you're seeking. Going into this session, I had three primary goals:
Image selection feedback - Help whittling down my options to the strongest cohesive set
Sizing considerations - Input on proportions and scale
Technical presentation evaluation - Reactions to my aluminum printing technique with LED backlighting
I brought 11 test prints to the critique, including one piece from last year's exhibition that demonstrated my printing and lighting technique. This tangible example helped the reviewers understand my vision for the final presentation.
From Digital to Physical
As I move from the critique phase into production, several key decisions are now being finalized:
Final Image Selection
Based on critique feedback, I'm making final determinations on which 10 images will appear in the show. The cohesiveness of the collection has become even more important following the reviewers' insights.
Print Specifications
The printing process requires precise file preparation. Each image must be optimized for the medium. Considering how the metallic surface interacts with the photographic content versus paper is particularly important for the atmospheric qualities in my Vanishing Point collection.
Timeline Constraints
With just four weeks remaining, production schedules are tight. Print orders must be placed promptly to allow time for delivery, quality assessment, and any necessary adjustments before installation.
The Value of Discomfort
Critique forces us outside our comfortable artistic bubbles, challenging assumptions and revealing blind spots. While I openly admit my discomfort with criticism, I recognize its essential role in advancing my work.
The willingness to subject our art to outside evaluation—especially at critical decision points—often makes the difference between good work and exceptional work. It's a form of artistic humility that ultimately strengthens the final presentation.
Next Steps
With critique feedback integrated into my thinking, I'm now finalizing selections and moving into production. In the next installment of this series, I'll share the completed print order and wall layout design, giving you a preview of how these images will converse with each other in the exhibition space.
As always, I'll continue to document both the decisions and the process behind bringing Vanishing Point to Artful ATL on June 7th at Atlanta Contemporary.
Have questions about the critique process or how you approach receiving feedback on your own creative work? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram @zuristanback.
For event details and tickets to Artful ATL (June 7th at Atlanta Contemporary), visit ArtfulATL.org.