VCE Studio Arts

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VCE Studio Arts

• Review of the 2001 exam.
• Judy Petch

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Lets start with what the study design tells us.

• Length of time
• Type of questions
• Knowledge skills
• Visual material

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Exam preparation

• Understand the language of art.
• Do you know what the following terms mean?
• Subject matter
• Technique
• Artistic influences
• Style
• Art industry issues

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Exam Preparation

• Know the difference between describing and
  interpreting artworks.
• Description
• What do I see when I look at this artwork?
• Analysis
• How is the work organized?
• Interpretation
• What is happening? What is the artist trying to
  say?
• Judgment
• What do you think of the work?

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Jean-Michel Basquiat
Tabac, 1984
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Exam preparation

• Jean-Mechel Basquiat, Tabac, 1984, acrylic and
  oil crayon on canvas. Size 219 by 173cm.
• DESCRIPTION
• This composition is made up of various shapes,
  both realistic and abstract. In the centre of the
  composition is the linear profile of a human head
  with a large distorted eye, extended lips and
  individually identifiable teeth. Inside the mouth
  is a cigarette. The head is supported by a thin
  neck. The back of the head is not drawn in.
  Around the shape of the head are a number of
  other shapes including a lit cigarette, the
  words, nervous system and filter, an angular
  shape like a crown, lines and flat colour. The
  background is flat white and the only other
  colours used in the composition are red, orange,
  black and small amounts of brown. The head is
  drawn in orange and the eye is coloured orange.
  The lips are a vivid red as is the neck. The
  teeth are white and inside the mouth is black.

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Exam Preparation

• INTERPRETATION
• The interpretation below has been prepared to
  illustrate one approach to how an art work may be
  interpreted. The interpretation is a personal
  one. A wide range of points have been included in
  the interpretation in order to demonstrate the
  nature of this approach.
• Basquait has created a powerful statement about
  tobacco and its effects on the human body. The
  skeletal profile of the head combined with the
  large grotesque mouth create a disturbing and
  depressing image of the impact of nicotine. The
  bared stained teeth inside the opened, black
  mouth are the focal point of the composition and
  draw our attention to the cigarette making its
  way through the system. The use of red smeared
  lines reinforces the pathway of this carcinogenic
  substance through the blood stream into the brain
  and down into the lungs. The nose appears to have
  been displaced by some type of external
  apparatus, an oxygen mask maybe?, and reinforces
  the loss of smell and laboured breathing suffered
  by this addiction. The use of words reinforces
  the bleak message.

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Exam Preparation

• Know artists and their artworks.
• Specific artworks
• Artistic influences
• Materials and techniques
• Work environments
• Critical interpretation of artworks
• Personal reactions

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Exam Preparation

• Know your facts
• Correct names of artists artworks
• Precise terminology
• Accurate details e.g. the preservation of
  artworks incorporates factors such as light,
  Relative Humidity and temperature, Biological
  pests, Dust and Airborne pollutants etc
• Art industry issues/context issue

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Exam Preparation

• Use your practical knowledge to inform your
  theory.
• Choice of subject matter/themes
• Materials and techniques
• Personal understanding
• Inspiration
• Influences

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Exam Preparation

• Only provide new information in short answer
  responses.
• Do not repeat the questions
• Be concise with your language
• Begin with your response
• Make your points obvious to the examiner

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Exam Preparation

• Be confident, creative and committed.
• Plan your time carefully
• Be active with your revision
• Share your enthusiasm for art
• Pool resources with your fellow students
• Understand, dont memorize
• Use all of the exam time provided

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Good Luck!