How to develop your taste in art, with critic Ariella Budick

Art criticism functions as a form of communication where the viewer engages with an artist's perspective on the world, rather than simply deciding whether they like or dislike a piece. Ariella Budick, an art critic at the Financial Times, emphasizes that museum-goers should prioritize direct visual experience over reading explanatory text labels, which often obscure rather than illuminate. Approaching exhibitions as an open-ended adventure—similar to wandering through a new city—allows for a more authentic connection with the work. While technical virtuosity and historical context matter, personal taste remains a valid tool for interpretation. Developing a nuanced perspective requires moving beyond binary judgments, acknowledging that one can simultaneously appreciate an artist's communicative intent while finding the subject matter challenging, infuriating, or even ugly. Ultimately, criticism provides a structured argument that enriches the viewer's understanding of an exhibit.