Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:
Answer all the questions below for the work of art you selected from the Mathaf collection choices listed below. Answers will vary in length, since some questions are quite straightforward and others are more complex.
1) Identify the Mathaf object you selected: title, date, artist if known, country of origin
In the museum, this information is included in the LABEL COPY on the wall, usually beside the work of art. In the
same gallery, there may also be WALL TEXT that contains additional information on the works displayed ther
2) What medium (materials) has the artist used?
In the museum, you would also be able to get a sense of HOW the materials are used-for example, how is the
paint applied? thinly or thickly (impasto), perhaps in overlays? is the brushwork visible (as w/the
Impressionists)? Is the surface rough or smooth, highly finished and polished? If you can answer any of these
questions from your digital repro, great, but if not don’t worry about it. Some things you have to see in person.
3) Form: what does it look like? color, line, shape, space, pattern, light/dark contrast?, etc.
4) Content: what is the subject matter? how does the artist represent it? (for example: the subject may be a
woman, but what is she doing? is this a portrait of a “real” person, or is she used as a symbol or allegorical
figure that represents something other than herself (like Delacroix’s figure of Liberty Leading the People)?
5) Mathaf=a museum of modern Arab art, so how/is the work representative of Arab/Islamic culture in general? If
you think it’s not, explain why.
6) How/is the work related to a Western style of the modern period, such as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism,
etc?
6) Why did you choose to write about this work? What do you find interesting/appealing about it?
7) Add your personal observations and insights.
No biographical information on your artist is necessary, although you may include a short summary if you choose. Although we cannot visit Mathaf as planned, your PRIMARY FOCUS should be still be LOOKING & THINKING CRITICALLY about the work you selected (i.e., visual and content analysis), rather than looking up material online or doing outside research. However, if you use outside sources you MUST CITE THEM in a works cited page at the end of the essay using the CHICAGO STYLE bibliographic form. Be sure to include a color copy of the image you are writing about and follow the essay writing and formatting directions on the Assignments & Projects sheet. Mathaf has information on most of the works of art listed below on its website.
Works from the Mathaf Collection-choose one of these to write about:
Homage to Michaelangelo, 1994, by Ali Talib
Our Epic Tale, 1973, Jassim Zaini
A Pause with the Spirit, 2001, Saadi al Kaabi
Letters, 1900, Rafik Lahham
An Egyptian Family, 1995, Gazbia Sirry
Construction, 1976, Yousef Ahmed
Jersualem, 1996, Sliman Mansour
Red Sky with Birds, 1981, Dia Azzawi
Suspended Together, Manal al Dowayan
Baghdadiat, Jewad Selim
