How Do You Review the Arts

For me reviewing the arts is when you ask questions about what's in front of you. Before you start to look at all the little elements, it's like you didn't even really see it or appreciate it. Roland Barthes and reading too much into it really stuck with me. I like the idea that you can pick things apart and see all kinds of other nuggets inside. Perhaps it's because of my background in poetry, I just love looking at things from another angle. You ask yourself “why?” I a lot more. I like that. If I could just go on and on all day about it with someone I would be pleased as a pea. I think in order to review you have to get that feeling, that questioning and answering back in your head that's like trying to understand something and then becoming even more confused. It's like constantly continuing the conversation. At first you think it's just about giving your opinion, and it's not—'cause no one friggin' cares. Keep 'em to yourself if it's not in some way constructive. I've explored the things I love, the things I thought I hated, and the things that make up my world here as a student. Through all the explorations it forced you to look at even what wasn't your “cup of tea” and to go at it. I think the five word wrap of the class was exactly what it's all about when it comes to reviewing, and I feel a bit cheated that the concept hadn't instead been discussed on the first day. It's perfect in saying both in essence, the definition of reviewing and also an stating an important question we always have to ask ourselves: “If not this, then what?”