Art Unit 2
Outcome 1: Contemporary artworks and Culture
In this area of study students focus on the ways in which art reflects and communicates the values, beliefs and traditions of the societies for and in which it was created. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of contemporary materials, techniques, ideas and approaches to making and presenting artworks. Students explore and investigate the ways in which the world has changed and continues to change over time, the factors that influence these changes and their impact on artistic practice. Students focus their research on selected theme/s to compare artworks, artists and their artistic practice. From the range of artists studied, two of the artworks must be based on a common theme.
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Students must:
• apply the Cultural Framework and the Contemporary Framework in their analysis and interpretation of artworks of at least four artists
• study at least two artworks produced from 1990 onwards.
On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss and compare artworks from different cultures and times using the Cultural Framework and the Contemporary Framework. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.
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Key knowledge
• the role and purpose of art in different cultural contexts and times
• the diverse and alternative approaches to making and presenting art in a contemporary context
• how artworks can reflect the beliefs, values and traditions of different cultures
• relevant aspects of the Cultural Framework and the Contemporary Framework
• terminology used in discussion and research.
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Key skills
• apply the Cultural and Contemporary Framework and aspects of other Analytical Frameworks as appropriate to analyse, interpret and compare artworks from different cultures and times
• formulate and substantiate personal opinions with reference to artworks and other references
• use appropriate terminology to discuss artworks.
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What we are actually going to do:
The SAC will be conducted over several classes, one question at a time in open book examination conditions, after whole class/teacher led discussion.
The questions are short answer response and may include visual references to be included to answer the question.
Each question will be submitted at the end of the allocated session, including reference material and resources used.
The Task
How you are being assessed
Analytical Frameworks:
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Cultural Framework
The Cultural Framework is used to identify the influences on an artwork of the time, place and cultural and political settings in which, and purpose for which, it was made. These influences may include historical, political, social, socioeconomic, artistic, technological, environmental and religious contexts as well as aspects of ethnicity and gender. Students must consider the following questions:
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• How do the social, political, cultural, artistic and/or religious contexts of the artwork contribute to its meaning? How have historical or contemporary events shaped the intention of the artist or our understanding of the artwork’s meaning?
• How do values, beliefs and attitudes reflect the social context of the time the artwork was produced? How do these values, beliefs and attitudes compare to the values of today?
• How does the cultural background of the viewer influence the interpretation of an artwork? How does the placement or location of artworks affect their interpretation?
• What are the symbols or metaphors explored or utilised in the artwork that contribute to the meanings and messages?
• How was the artwork reviewed or critiqued during the time in which it was made? Was the work considered challenging or innovative?
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Contemporary Framework
The Contemporary Framework can be used to interpret an artwork, irrespective of when it was created, by looking at it from a current viewpoint. Artists have explored common ideas, concepts, questions and practices to examine their own context, and to describe their personal world and imagine their future through the artworks they make and view. The Contemporary Framework is used to examine art ideas and issues originating in the late twentieth century onwards and apply these ideas to artworks in a range of periods of time and cultures. Contemporary art and ideas can relate to the use of new media and technologies, and to diverse and alternative approaches to making and presenting art. Students should consider the following questions:
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• How have contemporary art ideas and issues challenged traditional understandings of artworks and their significance?
• What are the symbols or metaphors from contemporary culture utilised in the artwork and how do they contribute to its meanings and messages?
• How does the placement or location of the artwork in a setting other than the intended setting impact on its meaning and value?
• How might the original context in which an artwork was placed influence its meaning and purpose?
• How is the artwork of the past interpreted from a contemporary point of view? How does this differ from the way it was interpreted when it was made.
• Has the role of the audience changed when viewing and interpreting contemporary artworks and if so, how? How are contemporary artworks that involve collaboration or participation of the viewer affect their interpretation? How does this differ from traditional ideas about viewing and experiencing artworks in museums and galleries?
• What new media or technologies has the artist used to make or produce the artwork?
• What is the impact on the viewer of new media applications or technologies and other emerging art forms?
• How has the internet, virtual technology and augmented reality changed the way artworks are viewed and presented? How has social media changed the way audiences view art? How does this differ from traditional ideas about viewing and experiencing artworks in museums and galleries?
• How does the choice or presentation of subject matter, or media, materials, and techniques or processes reflect or challenge artistic or social traditions?
• How have collaborative approaches to art making changed the way in which the role of the artist is seen?
• How might the original context in which an artwork was made change in its meaning or purpose for the contemporary viewer?
• What political concerns such as globalisation, and environmental and social issues, are expressed in the artwork? How do these concerns challenge and influence the viewer’s interpretation of artworks?
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(VCAA, Art Study Design, p.10-12)
(Source: Hendy-Ekers et al, 2010, Art-iculate, Cambridge University Press, Melbourne, p136-141)