#IBmakingart

First, this:

And here's what you need to do for Blog #5

STEP 1) Check out this and this.  Macbeth was written by Shakespeare in 1606, but is set in the 11th century. Both links provide historical context- for the setting, but also for the time it was written and performed. Check out the "Overview", "Key Events", "Works of Art", and "Related Content" towards the bottom of the page.


STEP 2) Select only one work of art from either period to analyze & interpret.  Spend significant time studying the work: the significance and meaning of a work will not be entirely revealed on first impression. This occasion may be the first time you have ever spent so much time looking at a single work of art; this process is AN IMPORTANT part of the assignment


STEP 3) Make a sketch while you are studying the piece you've selected. It will actually help you to observe more carefully. You will not be graded on the quality or skill of this drawing, as long as you make a serious effort. Please include your sketch (and the actual image as needed...unless you are an amazing artist) with your visual analysis for Blog Post #5.


STEP 4)Your analysis/response must address each of the following:
VISUAL ANALYSIS:
1: Identify artist, title, date, medium, and size

2: Stylistic period/culture/context (When – and Where – geographic location of production)

3: Subject/Iconography (What is represented? What is the idea/concept?)
What is the subject? Could it be considered a new treatment of a traditional art theme such as portraiture, landscape, etc.? *This is part of a "little picture" understanding*

4: Style/technique (How does the artist handle light, form, color, texture, and shape as well as composition? or How the art is arranged or organized?)
How did the formal elements communicate or reinforce the meaning of the work? How does the media and/or technique influence and/or enhance the meaning?

5: Significance/function/purpose (How does the work convey social, political, popular, or religious values? What is the purpose of the work?)  *Remember- we need to always think about context!*
What do you think is the meaning of the piece? What are the clues in the work that lead you to this conclusion? What additional themes are addressed directly or implied by the artist? Does the artwork cause you to re- consider these ideas or think about them in new ways? What does the title of the work signify? Does this work have special relevance or significance to viewers today? If it is more than 20 years old, does it signify something different than when it was originally created? What is the value of this art in today’s society?

The questions above are just to get you started. They are probably not the right questions for every work of art, but they may be a helpful place to begin.