Abstract:
This qualitative research proposes to study Buddhist art criticism for art instruction in higher education level. Subjects of this study were 30 art and Buddhist experts. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. The data from questionnaires was analyze d statistically by using the frequency, percentage, means and standard deviation with SPSS program. The data from the interviews was analyzed by content analysis and inductive summary. The results showed that Buddhist art criticism can be done in several methods. The critic should consider the content, form, idea and intention of the artist. For the content, the critic should consider the accuracy to Buddhist teaching and the appropriation to society. For the art form, the critic should consider creating technique, method and style of the art work, whether it is traditional or contemporary. For artists ideas and intention, the critic should consider whether the artist intends to promote Buddhist philosophy or to reflect the society. Western models of art criticism can be used to criticize Buddhist art, but the content of Buddhism and Thai culture need to be brought into the analysis. The instruction of Buddhist art criticism in the higher education level should include both Thai and estern perspectives. The contents for teaching should consist of art knowledge and Buddhism. The teaching aids should include the actual works of art. The instruction should be conducted in appropriate situations, in the classroom context, Buddhist places and art museums.