The gift of critique

By Noel Galon de Leon

In a city that is developing, especially in the field of arts, it should never be a question whether we need criticism. History has made it clear that criticism is essential not only for mapping the development of art but also for understanding its relevance and reception in contemporary society. Without the practice of criticism, a community, a city, or even a nation becomes like a body without a soul. Criticism is the lens through which we examine, discuss, and challenge the things that are becoming part of our emerging culture, the things that may be stifling tradition or failing to resonate with contemporary audiences. In Iloilo, where our arts are evolving alongside societal growth, criticism is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

In my Creative Writing classes at U.P. High School in Iloilo, I always tell my students that criticism is not a curse. Constructive and thoughtful criticism is a gift. It can sting and make you uncomfortable, but whether it hurts or comforts, it is instructive if you are willing to read it within its proper context. A well-formed critique does not belittle or humiliate. It illuminates gaps, identifies possibilities, and pushes both the artist and the audience to think deeper. Some of the most valuable learning experiences come from being challenged and not merely praised.

It breaks my heart when young writers and critics stop writing because they have been wounded by someone else’s commentary. It is disheartening to see the culture of criticism still shallow, particularly here in Iloilo, where it is most needed alongside the growth of our arts. Criticism should be understood as a conversation, not a verdict. It is an essential part of community-building, reminding artists of their responsibility and urging them to strive for excellence not for fame or applause but for the integrity of their craft.

Criticism is more than an opinion. It is a discipline that requires patience, thoughtfulness, and context. When receiving criticism, one must pause and reflect. Consider whether the critique is about the work or about your ego. Consider whether it is meant to help or simply to wound. If it is a careful, constructive critique, approach it with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Analyze it. Compare it with your intent as a writer or artist. This process teaches humility, patience, and discernment, qualities essential not only in art but in life.

For young critics, especially those in Iloilo, your role is vital. Criticism is not merely pointing out flaws. It is about understanding layers of context, history, and community in which a work exists. It is about asking how a piece reflects our culture, whether it challenges us to grow, and whether it honors the voices of our people. When done carefully, criticism is an act of care. It nurtures the arts, demands higher standards, and cultivates a culture where dialogue and reflection are valued over superficial praise or destructive negativity.

From the perspective of a cultural critic, the significance of criticism extends beyond the individual artist. It shapes society by clarifying values, highlighting social issues, and fostering collective understanding. In cities like Iloilo, criticism can guide public discourse about what is celebrated, what is ignored, and what is transformed in the arts. Without it, cultural production risks becoming stagnant, repeating the same familiar patterns without questioning their relevance or meaning. Thoughtful criticism strengthens not only individual works but also the cultural ecosystem in which these works exist.

Criticism is also a reminder of responsibility. As artists, we are accountable to our communities. We are not creating in isolation. Every work of art participates in the cultural life of our city and our nation. Criticism asks us to reflect on how our work affects others, what messages it communicates, and whether it contributes to a culture of empathy and understanding. To ignore criticism is to ignore the social and ethical dimensions of artistic practice.

We need criticism because it challenges us to see beyond ourselves and to consider how our work affects the world. It encourages us to strive for greater skill, clarity, and sensitivity. In a city like Iloilo, which is finding its voice in the arts, criticism is a guiding star. It helps cultivate thoughtful, informed, and socially conscious artists who do not merely create but also reflect, interrogate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

To young critics I say, do not fear criticism. Embrace it. Study it. Practice it. Cultivate a lens that is both humane and Filipino, one that sees art not merely as decoration but as dialogue, reflection, and a mirror to society. The more careful, informed, and compassionate your criticism, the stronger our arts community becomes. Criticism, when done correctly, does not kill art. It breathes life into it.

In the end, a city’s artistic development is inseparable from the courage to critique, the humility to accept critique, and the wisdom to act on it. In Iloilo, as in any growing cultural hub, criticism is not a threat. It is a vital tool for survival, growth, and excellence. Artists and critics together form a dialogue that shapes not only the art itself but also the cultural and social consciousness of the community. To dismiss criticism is to dismiss the very mechanism that allows society to develop, reflect, and mature.

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Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.