I'm responding to Katie's post, where she asked,

...judging art is an impossible thing, so what do we think we will gain from it?"

I see criticism as an important part of an artist's process. While it can be painful to have someone criticize your work, it's also helpful. Most artists, when they work, are trying to convey something, whether it's a story, emotion, or idea. However, these things take a lot of thought and effort. It's easy for the artist to get too caught up in their own head and begin to think that their message is obvious, when to an outsider there is no rhyme or reason to the piece. Critics take an important role by helping to improve the artist's work long-term.

It's not possible to improve yourself as an artist without taking some criticism. Even if you feel cruel for criticizing someone's work, if the advice you offer is legitimate and helpful, you're most likely doing them a favor.

Could art get along without criticism? (I don't think so, but I'd like to know if anyone else does.)