Page 4
University Daily Kansan
Friday, Nov. 9, 1962
Arts Critic Must Say More Than 'Like It' Or 'Don't Like It
By Terry Murphy
Every person who reads a book, views a movie, or merely sightseees through a museum or a foreign country, is a practicing critical reviewer.
But the critic who appraises any art object with the purpose of informing others as to its relative worth cannot fulfill his obligations with a casual or flippant "I liked it," or "I didn't like it."
How does a person prepare to become a knowledgeable critic whose opinions express a fair measurement of the work's value? The problem cannot be solved by any pat formula.
A PERSON who is trained and skilled in a particular art has certain advantages of sophistication which an outsider would not have. But, this poses problems such as tempting the insider to pontificate or write esotericly.
Obviously, to appreciate what the
artist, author, architect, et al., is attempting to express requires at least a cursory familiarity with the working of the craft under consideration.
It seems the best preparation — and it is one open to all — is familiarization through exposure coupled with reading of academic treatments and methods.
Even if a critic favors the impressionistic philosophy of criticism, he should know from experience what the standards of excellence are within a field.
But, perhaps the greatest preparation for the work of being a critic is the endless challenge to retain an open mind. Personal dislikes or pleasures can color the criticism — and each work deserves to be measured by its own standards of excellence.
ANOTHER HELPFUL device is to study the work of critics who are highly esteemed. The methods and
approaches used by a professional can suggest new means to the amateur.
And a critic should be aware of new developments as well as established classical forms that are already recognized as satisfactory vehicles of art expression.
Of all the preparations, perhaps exposure to the works of art, and an active interest would be the two most essential factors.
And of course, it is also necessary always to remember that you write for the appreciation of a widely diverse audience. What would not be appreciated by the critic might well be appreciated by a reader.
And this person is the principal reason for writing an evaluation of any work of art.
Better'n Sinking Fund
DALLAS, Tex. — (UPI) — Nameplate on a boat docked at a nearby lake: "Floating Debt."
Robinson Gym Remains Same After Almost 58 Years
Back in 1882, a hardy and persistent band of athletic students won the right to sweat on University property.
Chancellor James Marvin objected to such frivolity as gymnastics at KU, but finally agreed to let the students work with bar bells, Indian clubs and parallel bars in the basement of Fraser Hall.
THE NEED FOR improved facilities finally became too pressing to be ignored, and in a 1904 Chancellor Frank Strong obtained a $100,000
appropriation from the Kansas legislature to build a gymnasium.
The only remaining problem was where to put it.
At that time, the entire south side of Mt. Oread was owned by Frank B. Lawrence, nephew of ex-Governor Charles Robinson. Robinson had willed the 40 acre area to Lawrence.
And so the University had to buy the Hill climbed daily by students in order to build a place where students could exercise.
KU SPORTS
on
DIAL KLWN 1320
7:30 a.m. Daily Sports Shorts
5:00 Today In the Enemy Camp
5:20 Tom Hedrick Sports
HELPING TO BUILD A GREATER KU
This architect's drawing of Watson Library shows the additions left and right which will provide room for 1250 more readers, office and book-processing space. The major part
of the $1,800,000 program is expected to be completed in late 1963.
Over the years we have been proud to help KU grow by constructing the following buildings:
Corbin Hall
North College Hall
Lindley Hall
Malott Hall
Hoch Auditorium
Union Building Additions
Fowler Shops
Snow Hall Addition
Watkins Memorial Hospital
J. R. Pearson Hall
Hashinger Hall
B. A. GREEN CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.
Cecil B. Green Ernest P. Haas Patrick D. Green
Robert J. Green Basil A. Green
1207 IOWA, LAWRENCE, KANSAS P.O. BOX 25 TELEPHONE VI 3-5277