Our0boros

Ouroboros is an artist-run critique group. We will explore traditional and non-traditional methods of critical analysis at a graduate level. Discussions will be rooted both in the practical and philosophical aspects of an art practice. Topics will include how a body of work holds up under scrutiny, how one’s work relates to historical and contemporary movements, how a work can go beyond theory and logic, and others. We offer in-person critique classes in downtown Los Angeles as well as an online critique course.

Testimonals

‘Ouroboros was such a great way of having deeper conversations with artists about each others practices and careers! It was so helpful in unpacking new things i’m working on and getting feedback- it’s nice to have productive critiques with people that have so many good references and suggestions! I’d do it again in a heartbeat’ - Nour Malas, NYC, Winter cohort 2025

Prior to joining Ouroboros, I would have described myself as unable to speak about my work in front of a group of artists with confidence. I felt incredibly close to my painting and drawing work, a practice led by intuition as opposed to research and concept. I felt that as much as I produced, I wasn’t equipped to speak as strongly as the work spoke for itself. Equally, despite crawling through museums and galleries at every given opportunity and devouring art and artefacts, I felt my lack of formal art school training left me unequipped to critique peer artists’ work in front of them in a way where it would be received and understood. I feared my viewpoint would be seen as surface-level or too emotionally charged.

When I first saw Ouroboros advertised, my motivation to join was to take a deep plunge into a new community of practitioners and begin to have the conversations which I was previously so intimidated to have. I am so glad I made this decision.

I am firstly thankful for both Christina and Ish for leading the sessions. They were informed—academically and in terms of art history—and equally in touch with the current industry and the reality of being a working artist. This meant I learnt from them and equally was able to empathise and feel that their advice addressed tangible and intangible issues within my practice and career. Within the sessions, both Christina and Ish were always present, focused, and supportive, and pushed when it was needed, and equally were never lacking in warmth and charm.

The structure of having various kinds of critique—blind, led, and self-directed—meant that I would exercise the muscles of listening, thinking, and speaking about my work and those of my peers. It was enough to allow me to be brave and speak with conviction, and equally there was a sense of an attentive audience.

All notes taken by Christina and shared after crits were meticulously written and extremely straightforward to understand and keep—an invaluable resource in the eyes of an isolated painter, and extremely helpful. They could be used to help develop artist bios, or to sit and think about writing about one’s practice. References for work provided were thorough, varied, and all documented. I can only imagine that taking such notes whilst remaining so present in the conversation required a high level of focus—and I feel it is demonstrative of the dedication and brilliance of Christina.

The projects and “homeworks” were excellent for developing writing skills and empowering the participants to push themselves—a great addition to the programming.

Between weeks, I had an important deadline for a residency application—applications being a hurdle in my career I always felt I fell at. In the case of this application, my participation in this programme allowed me to write about my work in a way I had never been able to do previously. I am so thankful for having participated.

I hope to join many more soon, and I would love to see regional expansion of Ouroboros into the Middle East, where we have a lack of critiquing in art—perhaps through residency programmes or something.

A brilliant initiative!- Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd, Jordan, Winter Cohort 2025

“Participating in Ouroboros course was a deeply enriching experience that sharpened both my thinking and making. The group fostered a rare kind of dialogue, rigorous but generous, open-ended yet grounded in critical frameworks. Each session felt like entering a laboratory for ideas, where the logic of a work could be challenged or expanded in pursuit of deeper clarity. What stood out most was the way conversation moved fluidly between the material and the conceptual. Christina and Ish cultivated a space that welcomed vulnerability and rigor in equal measure, encouraging everyone to articulate not only what we do, but why it matters and how it sits in relation to broader histories. Ouroboros reminded me that critique is not simply about fixing or editing, but about listening, witnessing, and learning how to ask better questions. I highly recommend this course to artists seeking a thoughtful, challenging, and supportive space to reflect on their practice.”- Alexis de Chaunac, Chicago, IL, Fall Cohort 2025