This panel discussion will address a critic’s role in facilitating and encouraging discourse around artistic practices. The panel will also address the relevance of the artist’s own vision as expressed through the written word (artist statements, blogging, essayistic writing, etc) and discuss the dangers or pitfalls of prejudging works existing within the visual world through the written word. The panel will also be asked to evaluate how the written word affects and/or determines art practices that are conceptual or not directly object-based. Finally, the panel will address notions of promotion and the value of critical attention on the careers of artists, paying particular attention to the growing careers of young artists.

Moderated by Hyde Park Art Center’s Interim Exhibitions Manager, Aaron Ott, the panel will include Claudine Ise, Amelia Ishmael, and Michelle Grabner.