Some of you have commented to the Critique Committee about having the most difficulty judging and scoring images in the Abstract/Experimental category.  We feel the same so did some searching for information from the art world.  Our judge training will certainly include abstract images but will not take an in depth look at this single large area.

Here are links to the best YouTube videos on this topic we’ve found.  They are very good & take little time.  These are recommended for all EPS judges.

The first video is a breathless romp through the many purposes of abstract art in less than 10 min.  It will leave you feeling overwhelmed when you think of judging just as some of you feel about judging all photography.  It will also stimulate you to explore abstract image making yourself.

Fortunately the next three links are 1 min. critiques of abstract art work that use the same strategy we recommend in our judge training – use your response to an image, concentrate on the big elements & use the sandwich method.  Each video provides language for talking about abstract art.  Our judge training takes a similar overall simplified approach to critiques of photographs.

For those interested, there are many longer critiques in the ART PROF channel to learn more.

The Purposes of Abstract Art

Quick Critiques