As you all have observed, critical analysis is an important part of our weekly discussions. What is equally important is having the ability to communicate and analyze artwork through written form. It is important for us to practice our writing skills. During your visit to a museum or gallery, I want you to choose a piece of artwork of your choice to analyze visually. I want you to REALLY look at an object. Often we look at the artwork for a mere second, which can lead us to miss important components of the piece. I recommend you observe the piece for 30-45 minutes. Yes, that is correct. This will push you to visually absorb the artwork fully and allow you to formulate an educated opinion over it. First, your analysis will discuss the formal and conceptual elements of your chosen artwork.
What are “formal” and “conceptual” elements you ask?! When speaking about the formal elements we are concerned with how the object is made and what elements and principles of design are present. When discussing the “conceptual” part of an artwork, we are concerned with what message the artwork is trying to convey.
*NOTE: The way artwork is made heavily influences the ultimate message that is conveyed regardless of the artist’s original intent.
Second, you will analyze the way the object is displayed. You will make suggestions of how you would make the work better if you had created it and how you would display it if you were the curator of the museum. It is important for you to defend your suggestion. A simple answer like “It needs to be a different color” or “It needs less light” is not enough. The suggestions section is completely subjective, meaning there is no right or wrong answer because this is solely your opinion. What I will not accept is for you to say “This work is perfect, no changes are needed” or any statement similar to that. In fact, a statement like this will earn you a ZERO on the entire project. So think CREATIVELY.
Your analysis should include a high-resolution picture of the artwork you analyzing. This may be from a photo you have taken or from the internet. Additionally, you will document your admission receipt in which the date of your visit is visibly displayed. Finally, you will also include a selfie of you with the artwork. If the artwork cannot be photographed take a picture of yourself on the museum premises.
See attached document for format instructions: Artwork Analysis(Updated).docx.pdfPreview the document