How to write and think about art? If we change the style or form of writing, does content follow? And what does it mean to write and think in a language other than your own?  


In this workshop we’ll explore writing about art, by combining seriousness with a dose of silliness and purposelessness. The idea is to give art writing a space to play around; enjoying liberties that escape reason.  


Different formats will be used in short finger exercises that loosen the sound of your hand and stir the mind; from half thoughts, picture haikus and cut-up-style collages to micro-stories and poems.  


The long-term aim of the workshop is to instigate a community of art writers who share a thinking space. Thinking is a dangerous activity; it involves radical vulnerability. To think for yourself and to put your opinion out there can be risky. It is much easier to accept the status quo. To gain confidence and strengthen your voice, it’s necessary to have a safe space to experiment. This writing workshop would like to stimulate the sharing that is crucial in developing a critical voice. 

Creative Writing in Art Criticism: A Workshop with An Paenhuysen is supported by a Project Support Grant, Malta Arts Fund – Arts Council Malta, and by Valletta Vintage and Artpaper.