Terry Michael Barrett (1945 - October 29, 2023[1]) was an American art critic, and Professor Emeritus at Ohio State University.
[2] “If I follow these principles, I will be able to be confident that my interpretive efforts are in a right direction and a right spirit” [3] Barrett uses a think aloud process.
His process is guided by a series of questions, beginning with what he calls a literal reading of the painting.
Barrett's approach may be summed up by words that are central to the title of his book – reflecting, wondering and responding.
Based on prior experiences and knowledge he constructs an interpretation and articulates it verbally – this is his response to the artwork.
“When writing or telling about what we see and what we experience in the presence of an artwork, we build meaning; we do not merely report it”[4] A good interpretation is personally meaningful while also corresponding to the works visual elements and socio-cultural milieu.
Barrett's book, Reflecting, Wondering and Responding, summarises Danto's theory as containing five major propositions, namely, that a work of art is (1) about something, (2) projects a point of view, (3) projects this point of view by rhetorical means, and (4) requires interpretation and that (5) the work and interpretation require an art-historical context.
Emotions play a central role in interpreting works of art and in understanding the world.
In the words of Michael Foucault, “a text is made up of multiple writings, drawn from many cultures and entering into mutual relations of dialogue, parody, contestation.”