Indigenous Art and Activism

Description

Part 1 – Visual Analysis Worksheet

For this worksheet, you need to choose an artwork by an artist on our “Artist List.” Download “Artist List.”This artwork will be your central focus in each part of our Visual Analysis assignment, including parts 2 (Context), 3 (Synthesis), and 4 (Instagram post).

Copy and paste this assignment into a blank document and fill it in accordingly; submit as a PDF or Word doc.

• Object Identification Information

1. Title:
2. Date of manufacture/creation:
3. Location of manufacture/creation:
4. Artist/Maker (if known):
5. Medium:
6. Dimensions:
7. Current Location:

• Include an image of your object on the worksheet or a separate sheet.
• Make a list of adjectives and other terms that come to mind when looking at your chosen object. You must list 7-10 terms. Examples: “gentle light,” “symmetrical,” “realistic,” “abstract,” “colorful,” “monumental,” “minuscule,” etc.
• On a separate sheet of paper or document, draw your object. You will not be graded on the quality of your drawing—this is an exercise to help you analyze your chosen artwork. You may draw by hand on a sheet of paper, then take a photo/scan, and submit this as part of your assignment. You may also use a digital drawing tool of your choice.
• Explain how four or five of the Elements of Art from the list below are working in your chosen artwork. Some elements will be a better fit for your object than others, so choose carefully. Read the entries for Smarthistory’s “Elements of Art”Links to an external site. to help you decide. Descriptions for each of your selected elements should be at least 50 words (about 3 to 4 sentences). Example [line]: The left and right side of the canvas have lines or stripes of different widths stretched from top to bottom. These lines are rendered in bright purple with some hints of blue. Since the stripes are on the far edges of the canvas, they work to frame the central image.

1. Line
2. Shape and form
3. Color
4. Space
5. Texture
6. Surface and Depth
7. Light and Shadow

• Choose two to three Principles of Composition to Discuss. Like formal elements, some principles will be a better fit for you object that others. Read the entries for Smarthistory’s “Principles of Composition”Links to an external site. to help you decide. Descriptions for each of your selected principles should be at least 50 words (about 3 to 4 sentences). Example [movement]: The canvas seems dynamic and in motion because the way the colors are applied suggest movement, particularly from top to bottom. The lines I mentioned in the section above not only frame the central image but also seem to squeeze the scene together. The foreground appears still and lacks movement, since there is no differentiation of color like what’s seen on the edges.

1. Balance, Symmetry, and Emphasis
2. Movement
3. Pattern and Repetition
4. Rhythm
5. Variety and Unity
6. Proportion and Scale

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