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Duration
Apr. 01 - Apr. 29, 2026
Duration Feb. 09 - Mar. 16, 2026
Duration
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Art criticism is essential to the development of a dynamic and vibrant art scene and tradition. In curatorial and artistic practice, good writing skills combined with a critical mindset are a necessity on various levels, such as applying for funding, presenting an exhibition project, writing texts for catalogues, press releases, and about the art pieces in the show.
This is a very hands-on course, filled with in-class exercises, active engagement and assignments. In this course we will dedicate ourselves to the writing of short-form art critical reviews. We will learn how to formulate an idea with clarity, how to analyze and evaluate art and its display in a thoughtful, meaningful way. A range of critical methods as well as different outlets (art magazine, newspaper, blog,etc.) are discussed.
With stage-by-stage guidance the participants are supported in their endeavor to experiment, to be creative, and especially to develop their own style. So we exercise, sharpen and shape both imagination and skill. Writing about art has no template, in the workshop we treat it as an evolving social form.
*This course offers University credits. To opt for credits read this page
Image: Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke via Pixabay
Week 1. Introduction
Introduction to the program and course overview.
This is a one-hour-only welcome session. The lecturer will introduce the program and participants will introduce themselves. No prior preparation is necessary.
Week 2. What is trending?
tracing trends, movements and hypes in the contemporary artworld
blowing-up and venting in art criticism
the (dis)advantages of making grand, sweeping statements in art criticism
writing manifestos in art criticism: where/what is the next revolution?
assignment
Week 3. Signature shot
feedback on writing assignment
what is one’s own voice? Finding your “signature shot”
investigate historical examples of daring voices in art writing in the 1920s
learning to control the narrative / develop a sense of construction / writing with the ear
assignment
Week 4. (Non)Fiction
feedback writing assignment
fictional form in art criticism: the art work as starting point for fictional and poetic developments
the question of truth and untruth in art criticism
the writers’ room or writing as a collective
assignment
Week 5. New perspectives
feedback writing assignment
developing interests in your writing/mapping
creating new perspectives on art
deconstructing the trodden path
writing exercise in class
Language
Classes are held in English.
Format & Modality
The course is fully online and taught live via Zoom in small, interactive groups to support active learning. Live captioning is available during the sessions.
Schedule
Live sessions take place every Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm (Berlin time, CEST).
Attendance
Live attendance is encouraged to get the most out of the course, but recordings are available if you cannot attend a session.
Course Materials
All course materials—including recordings, readings, and presentations—are available on the Node platform for as long as you wish.
Assignments
Optional assignments are included, with personal feedback from the lecturers to help you apply what you learn. Please note that feedback is provided only during the course dates.
Certificate
A downloadable certificate is available upon course completion.
Technical Requirements
A stable internet connection, a computer with a camera and microphone, and access to Zoom are required.
Questions?
Check our FAQ or contact us via our online form.
An Paenhuysen
"I liked the assignments and the valuable feedback! Also, I very much liked the short assignments/exercises during the course presentations."
"I liked An's feedback and the opportunity to discuss my work in a supportive environment."
"It motivated me to write. I also very much enjoyed the content An shared. Her teaching style is very relaxed which allowed for time to reflect."
"I really enjoyed An's lectures, she gave us a lot of information to get us going, she has a nice voice, literally and metaphorically."
"An is a wonderful instructor, who takes the students onto a special journey."
