The Reality of Art Criticism and Its Role in Contemporary Visual Arts in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the concept of art criticism among visual arts practitioners in Saudi Arabia, and its role in their works, as well as to analyze the reality of applying contemporary criticism. The importance of the study stems in providing a theoretical framework on the importance of art criticism in contemporary visual arts in Saudi Arabia, as well as helping those interested in visual arts to understand the reality of art criticism from the point of view of artists and to diagnose the strengths of local art criticism and weaknesses. Also make recommendations to overcome them. The study population was represented by Saudi artists during the year 2020, where an intentional sample was chosen, and data were collected through an opinion poll form. The study followed the descriptive and analytical approach in dealing with the reality of art criticism and analyzing its impact on artists and on the visual arts in their fields. The study concluded a number of findings related to artistic criticism and its role in contemporary art through the artists’ response to a number of axes in the survey. The study also presented several recommendations that contribute to the development of visual arts in Saudi Arabia through art criticism.