How to think, talk, and write about art

An interactive artist talk and guided tour, with strategies for reducing the mental block to begin thinking, talking and writing about art, In 2023, I took on the role of a tour-guide for the first time, guiding visitors around the 2022 Archibald Prize regional tour at MAC Yapang. As a hobbyist writer and artist, I was intimidated at the idea of sharing my understandings of the artworks. However, over the course of the exhibition - and with exposure over the last several years to the incredible, local creative and performing arts community - I have been led to the realisation that art doesn’t need to be an intimidating topic. In this interactive workshop, I will be joined by freelance writer and writing mentor, Tom Pahlow, combining our shared love of art and language to discuss how you can improve your approach to arts analysis and journalism. The strategies used in this workshop can be applied to traditional forms of art including painting, sculpture and photography, as well as to my personal interest in theatre and dance, or any creative industry that inspires you. WHAT'S THE PLAN? I have developed a series of frameworks which I use in my own writing to break down the mountain (thinking about art) to see the molehill (talking about stories) that is arts analysis. Taking inspiration from my experience as a gallery guide, we'll tour the 'Australian Gothic' exhibition, and unpack the writing process from ideation, to first drafts and edits. We'll unpack each artwork in stages, from the very basics of identifying what it is we are looking at, to developing a greater understanding of how to turn our observations into critical analysis. It may be useful to bring something to write with, and something to write on! YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH • A series of frameworks to support your planning when writing about art, • Strategies to reduce the mental block to begin interpreting art, • Simple prompts to take with you on future art discussions This workshop is best suited for individuals aged 13+ and will be a great opportunity for teens and young adults studying art, or who are interested in arts journalism.