Art Criticism Terminology

adjective lacking professional skill or expertise

• The presentation was criticized for its amateurish design and lack of professionalism.
• Her attempt at painting was pretty amateurish, but at least she had fun doing it.
• The band's first performance was so amateurish, they sounded like a bunch of amateurs trying to play together.
• His cooking skills were amateurish at best, resulting in a burnt and tasteless meal.

noun a critical or censorious remark or comment

• The scholar's animadversion on the research methodology raised important questions.
• I heard your animadversion on the new company policy during the meeting.
• I can't believe the animadversion she made about his outfit, so rude!
• Her animadversion cut through the silence like a sharp knife.

adjective Bemused is an adjective that describes someone who is puzzled, confused, or lost in thought.

• The professor looked bemused by the student's unconventional answer.
• I was bemused by the strange behavior of my neighbor's cat.
• She was totally bemused by the plot twist in the movie.
• His bemused expression told me he was lost in thought.

verb to indicate the faults or shortcomings of something or someone

• It is important to provide constructive feedback rather than criticize others.
• Don't be so quick to criticize, give them a chance to explain themselves.
• Stop hating and criticizing all the time, it's not cool.
• She criticized his every move like a hawk circling its prey.

adjective lacking depth; shallow or superficial

• The depthless ocean seemed to stretch on forever.
• That movie was so depthless, I couldn't even follow the plot.
• Her Instagram feed is so depthless, all she posts are selfies.
• His words were as depthless as a shallow pond, lacking any real meaning or substance.

noun an outpouring of something, such as emotion or light

verb to pour out or emit, as a liquid or light

adjective flowing freely or abundantly

• The scientist effused about the potential applications of the new technology.
• She couldn't stop effusing about how amazing the movie was.
• The group of friends effused over the delicious food at the new restaurant.
• His love for music effuses from every note he plays.

adjective lacking social grace, sensitivity, or acuteness; awkward; crude; tactless

• Her gauche attempt at making conversation during the business meeting was met with polite nods.
• He always feels a bit gauche at fancy parties, not sure how to act around all those important people.
• She felt so gauche wearing that outfit to the party, everyone else was dressed up much nicer.
• His social skills were so gauche, it was like watching a bull in a china shop.

noun control or influence that is very strong or too strong

adjective having a lot of weight or force

• The artist painted with a heavy hand, creating bold and impactful strokes.
• My dad always cooks with a heavy hand when it comes to adding salt to the dishes.
• The boss has a heavy hand when it comes to assigning extra tasks on Fridays.
• Her criticism came with a heavy hand, leaving me feeling discouraged.

noun showy but worthless finery; nonsense or rubbish

adjective showy but worthless; delusive or shallow

• The museum curator refused to include any trumpery in the new exhibit.
• I can't believe she bought all that trumpery at the store.
• That trumpery is so tacky, why would anyone want to wear it?
• His promises were nothing but trumpery, with no real substance behind them.

verb to make something more aesthetically pleasing or beautiful

• The artist focused on aestheticizing every detail of the painting to create a visually stunning masterpiece.
• She's really good at aestheticizing her Instagram feed with beautiful filters and carefully curated photos.
• I love how she's always aestheticizing her room with new decorations and art pieces.
• By aestheticizing her words, she was able to paint a vivid picture of her memories for the audience.