Questions and Topics We Can Help You Answering;
Begin the paper with the title, artist, date, size, and media of the work and where you saw it. Include a paragraph for each point below.
** The artwork is currently now in SFMOMA.
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1. Reaction: Look at the work. What is its impact? What emotions are triggered? Identify your initial emotional reaction to the work.
2. Description: Describe the work in detail. Avoid judgments and narratives. Just tell it like it is. What is there? Describe the style of representation and the formal elements*. You will be elaborating on some of this in the next step. --> Description of the Work (objective analysis)--Use your eyes
(i) What does the work look like?
(ii)· What is/are the subject/s?
(iii)· What media and technique are used?
(iv)· What is the most prominent color?
(v)· What kind of composition is it: symmetrical, asymmetrical, balanced, rhythmic, etc.?
(vi)· Is there an illusion of depth of space or is the space flat? How is perspective used?
(vii)· Where and what is the focal point? How is this determined?
(viii)· Is there color balance/harmony?
(ix)· What kind of color scheme is there?
(x)· What textures are there, tactile or visual?
(xi)· Is there any repetition of elements or pattern?
(xii)· What kinds of lines or shapes do you see: straight, curved, vertical, diagonal, horizontal, geometric, biomorphic, or organic?
3. Interpretation: Interpret the materials, the formal elements, the style, and the image as they create the subject of the work. Assess these things so you can clarify the affective statement in the work. What does the whole work show us? What is it about? How does the image’s form influence its subject?
--> Interpretation of the Work (subjective analysis)--Use your knowledge
(i)· What is the meaning?
(ii)· What kind of symbols are there?
(iii)· What is the mood/atmosphere/emotion?
(iv)· What is the significance of the subject/s?
(v)· Is there any reference or influence of other artists' work or art history?
(vi)· Is there a particular voice present in the work: feminist, environmentalist, communist, political, religious etc.?
(vii)· What forms or events from our world does this remind you of?
(viii)· What feelings are evoked by this work?
(ix)· What is the message the artist is trying to convey?
(x)· Is this making a statement about society of the world around us?
4. Judgment: Now that you have described the work and resolved its subjective meaning, was it successful? Why or how? Has the artist used the elements and principles of design for the appropriate affect? Does this judgment connect with your initial reaction (step 1)? Sometimes it can help to have some background information on the artist and the circumstances under which the work was made. --> Evaluation of the Work -- Use your judgment
(i)· Is the work effective in meeting the criteria or objectives given?
(ii)· Is this a successful work of art? How and why?
(iii)· What are the strongest elements of the work?
·(iv) What are the areas for improvement?
(v) What might the artist done differently if she/he had more time?
(vi)· Is this a unique work of art? Is there a distinct style?
(vii)· Does it hold your interest or attention?
(viii)· Does it present a new perspective or point of view?
(ix)· Does the work match the artist's message or intention?
**Formal elements to consider: line, color, value, texture, shape, perspective (including linear, aerial, or overlapping), space, point of view, lines of sight, and composition.
