Which of the following best describes the purpose of art criticism?

The purpose of art criticism primarily revolves around enhancing the viewer's understanding of art. Art criticism involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating artworks in a way that communicates their meanings, contexts, and significance. This process often helps viewers to engage more deeply with the art, fostering appreciation and critical thinking about the creative choices made by the artist. Through critique, audiences can explore various elements such as technique, style, aesthetic values, and cultural factors, which contribute to a richer experience and informed perspectives regarding art.

While formalizing art education, validating an artist's status, and promoting networking can have their own merits within the art world, these aspects do not encapsulate the core aim of art criticism, which is fundamentally about educating and enlightening the audience about the artwork and its broader implications.