A kindergarten student is critiquing an art piece and says it reminds her of a sad time. Which area of art criticism is she using?

• A. Description
• B. Interpretation
• C. Analysis
• D. Evaluation

Answer: (B)

When you interpret art, you consider what the work might be about beyond what you can see on the surface and what it makes you think or feel. The kindergarten student’s statement that the piece reminds her of a sad time is about meaning and emotion the art communicates to her, not just its colors or shapes. That personal meaning is the heart of interpretation.

If she were merely describing the work, she would name colors, lines, and subjects she sees. If she were analyzing, she would discuss how the elements and techniques work together, like how color or composition creates a mood. If she were evaluating, she would judge whether the piece is good or not. Since she’s expressing how the artwork connects to her feelings, interpretation is the best fit.