Artistic practice

Through the study of artistic practice, students gain an understanding of the way artists work and how artworks are conceptualised, created, presented and viewed. Artistic practices have a range of characteristics that vary, dependent on the beliefs, structures and values of the time, period and culture in which the artist is working. Artistic practice can also be based on styles and aesthetic considerations from different periods and cultures. For the purpose of the Art Study Design, artistic practice encompasses the use of the Analytical Frameworks for analysing and interpreting the meanings of artworks in the study, both in the conceptualisation and the making of artworks. The artistic practice includes: use of the art process; critical, creative and reflective thinking; and visual language.

 

The art process

In this study the art process is integral to the conceptualisation, development and making of artworks. The art process is an iterative component of the practice of artists and includes the application of Analytical Frameworks when interpreting and making artworks. The various components of the art process include:

 

• exploration of ideas through a conceptual and practical investigation

• experimentation with art elements and art principles, materials, techniques, processes and art forms

• development of ideas, concepts, style and visual language

• refinement of materials, techniques and technical processes to provide visual strength to artworks

• resolution of ideas, directions and concepts.

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The use of visual language, art elements and art principles is integral to the art process. The process should not be seen as static or linear but iterative as the student explores, develops, refines and resolves ideas and concepts. Underpinning the process is ongoing reflection and annotation using critical, creative and reflective thinking embodied by the Analytical Frameworks.

 

Visual language

 

Visual language is an integral component of artistic practice and refers to the communication of ideas through experiences, images and objects. Students use visual language to communicate the exploration, development and resolution of artworks. They experiment with, and develop and refine, materials, techniques and processes. When creating and producing contemporary artworks, the artist relies on historical understanding of specific styles, representations and imagery. Ideas, beliefs, values and concepts are communicated through the context, placement and juxtaposition of objects, styles and representations.

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(VCAA, Art Study Design, p.12-13)