Course Profile   Visual Arts (AVI4M), Grade 12, University/College, Catholic and Public

 

Unit 3:  The Artist as Reflective and Conceptual Thinker

Time:  22 hours

 

Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3

 

Unit Description

This unit emphasizes the importance of the creative thinking process associated with making conceptual sculpture. Conceptual importance in creating work is combined with material exploration and the effects using unexpected material can have on the creative process. All activities are connected through their approach to the image-making process and lead to the final culminating activity of this unit. The theory and history for this unit will focus on contemporary Canadian women artists, Native Canadian art, and analysis of Western visual art practices.

The three essential questions that frame this unit are:

1.   How have social and cultural developments influenced contemporary image-making theory and practice (with particular emphasis on the portrayal of women)? (Theory)

2.   How can I challenge the viewer by using unexpected material? (Creation)

3.   How do the cultural, economic, and skill experiences of artists affect the works they produce? (Analysis)

·         Students are required to identify the purpose of the artist in the creative process, and also address how the artist comes to display the final image/object that they have created. The use of reflective and conceptual modes of thinking best aid students in the exploration of motivation in the creative process. John Berger in Ways of Seeing tells us, “Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak.”

·         The exploration of unexpected medium use can be seen in the works of Judith Schwartz. Shadow of the Palace, 1986, exemplifies using materials that in this specific manipulation defy the traditional sense of what sculpture is. Schwartz’s use of traditional construction materials in the creation of sensual images challenges the viewer to a closer examination, demonstrating that the use of materials can shock, challenge, and enhance the experience of viewers.

·         Renee Van Halm’s Display (Temptation To Follow), 1986, explores conceptual influences in the creation of art works by demonstrating the integration of sculpture, painting, and installation art to answer the question “How to create anything real when the very notion of authenticity has been so widely discredited?” (Gillian MacKay). Van Halm approaches the creative process as a woman who has seen the decline of painting and sculpture as purist institutions, which has informed the integration aspects of her artworks. The conceptual assemblage created by Van Halm has roots in the works of “Poussin, 15th-century Japanese calligraphy, a 20th-century motel brochure, and a painting by Jack Bush” (MacKay).

·         Irene F. Whittome’s Le Musee des Traces, 1990; shows us how contemporary Canadian artists reacted to the emergence of new cultural institutions in North America and Europe. Whittome used the symbol of the turtle to cement her critique of the practice of elevating images and objects based on a new definition of their value. Countries like Egypt were forced to create national museums to protect their treasures from Western appetites for collecting exotic objects. Whittome’s turtle could be seen as the North American equivalent to ancient antiquities. The turtle, a symbol of power and beauty to many First Nations, is also a creature affected and victimized by modern Western development and progress. Whittome’s museums bring to light the differences in approaching art and the value of cultural identities and artistic systems.

·         It would be beneficial to acquire a copy of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing, as Berger deals with many issues surrounding the creative process in Western art. Berger also provides many juxtapositions and comparisons between visual art (high art) and popular advertising images (low art). The comparisons that Berger makes cement the long-standing canons and practices of Western visual arts, which are to be examined by students in this unit.

·         When approaching image-viewing activities with students, it is important to start with general terminology and synthesis, allowing students to form their own perceptions and judgements about the works.

How This Unit Supports the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

This unit allows students of all faiths to explore and comment on important social aspects in our culture. We call our students to live a life of faith and encourage them to be active members of their communities. This unit provides them with tools and skills that they can apply to all aspects of life, with an emphasis on enhancing their individual Catholic Faith communities. The inclusion of Social Justice and Jubilee should be the focus for this unit in all Catholic schools, as it directly ties our faith to practical applications in the creative process. Themes such as social justice and Jubilee deal with issues of equity, inclusion, and the power of the creative process to challenge and change the world in which we live. Students who engage in the exploration of these topics encounter the responsibilities of a faith community to be stewards of the earth, to be responsible for our resources, and to act as agents in the elevation of all people of the world who are in need. The Vatican website and the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops website provide excellent direction on the exploration of these themes with an emphasis on what we as people of faith are called to do. Other recommended resources for all Activities in Unit 3 include: Catholic New Times, National Catholic Reporter, The Catholic Register, Turning Points: Readings in Family Life Education, Reaching Out: Readings in Family Life Education, The Catechism of the Catholic Church – Social Teaching, and the New Revised Standard Version Bible.

Unit Synopsis Chart

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Tasks

1.
A New Set Of Eyes

 

4 hours

THV.02; CRV.01; ANV.01; ANV.02; ANV.04TH1.02; TH2.01; TH2.02; TH2.04; CR1.01; CR2.01; AN2.01; AN2.03; AN2.04; AN2.05; AN2.07
CGE1d; GCE2a; CGE2c; CGE4a; CGE5b

Knowledge/ Understanding

Application

Students conduct a survey of the depiction of women in Western art from 1800-present, to familiarize themselves with how artists have chosen to show women as subjects/objects They then choose three works from the survey to focus on. Finally, they choose one of the images and redraw the female figure into a new context.

2.
Changing the Meaning

 

4 hours

THV.03; CRV.01; ANV.02; AN1.03; AN1.04; AN2.01; AN2.03; AN2.05; AN2.06
CGE3c; CGE4b; CGE5b; CGE7i

Thinking/ Inquiry Communication

Students choose an object and do a cultural and utilitarian analysis of the object. They then change the context/value of the object.

 

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Tasks

3.
Leaving Your Mark

 

14 hours

CRV.02; CRV.04; ANV.02; ANV.04; TH1.02; TH1.03; TH2.01; TH2.05; CR2.04; CR3.03; AN1.01; AN1.05; AN2.02; AN2.03; AN2.06
CGE1h; CGE2c; CGE3d; CGE4f; CGE7e; CGE7g

Application

Students do research on their chosen topic. Students make a commentary on their research. They create a site-specific installation sculpture.

 

Activity 1:  A New Set of Eyes

Time:  4 hours

Description

Students conduct a survey of Western art history from 1800 to the present examining the depiction of women. From this list they select three images to analyse, two of which must be Canadian. When reviewing the three images they have chosen from their survey of Western art, students should be encouraged to look for differences in the depiction of women by Canadian artists from that time period. Choosing one of these images, they redraw the female figure from the found image in a new context, in their sketchbooks.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE1d - develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good;

CGE2a - listens actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values;

CGE2c - presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE4a - demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE5b - thinks critically about the meaning and purpose of work.

Strand(s):  Creation, Analysis, and Theory

Overall Expectations

THV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of modern and contemporary art, especially Canadian (including Native Canadian) art, as well as African, Oceanic, and Central and South American art,

CRV.01 - identify and develop ideas and concepts to shape and unify their own art works;

ANV.01 - evaluate, individually and in groups, the effectiveness of their personal research, creative process, and art products;

ANV.02 - analyse and evaluate modern and contemporary Western works of art, as well as selected works of fine art, works in applied design, and works in crafts from African, Oceanic, Central and South American, and emerging art communities;

ANV.04 - explain the influence of aspects of social, cultural, and political contexts, including arts organizations, on the creation and understanding of fine art, applied design, and craft works.

Specific Expectations

TH1.02 - explain how the technical approaches and the elements and principles of design found in a specific work of art support the expression of ideas in that work and contribute to its function;

TH2.01 - describe aspects of the history of modern Western art and of selected forms of African, Oceanic, and Central and South American art;

TH2.02 - describe characteristics and trends in contemporary art, especially Canadian art;

TH2.04 - describe the influence of art works and artists from the past on their own art works;

CR1.01 - research and describe historical and recent works of art from around the world that specifically relate to the process used and the issues and concerns expressed in their own work;

CR2.01 - demonstrate competence in representational drawing, drawing as an expressive art form, and drawing to document process;

AN2.01 - explain how representational elements, the formal organization of visual content, and the expression of moods, feelings, and ideas are used in both the creation and the analysis of art works;

AN2.03 - explain, orally or in writing, a variety of reasons for making judgments about works of art;

AN2.04 - demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast the views of art critics on the same works of art;

AN2.05 - analyse the relationship between the works of an artist or designer and his or her culture;

AN2.07 - research and describe how a particular collection in a gallery or museum has been created, and analyse the potential impact on individual viewers and communities.

Planning Notes

·         Teachers should familiarize themselves with Kenneth Clark’s theory on the “naked and the nude.”

·         Prior to teaching this activity, teachers should familiarize themselves with the works depicting women. See suggested Reproductions List (Appendix I).

·         Sensitivity and respect for issues involving the depiction of women in Western art and the contemporary subjects that they have chosen to deal with should be addressed and promoted in a manner that is inclusive and invitational.

·         A discussion of the purpose of art galleries and the act of collecting art should be discussed with students.

·         Teachers should distribute Appendix 3.1.1 – Research File Direction Questions, to assist students with research direction.

·         For students who are not permitted to depict the human figure, the teacher could substitute the survey subject of the female form with landscape art works. This form of fine arts is still connected to the cultural, socio-economic, and creative experiences of the artists who produced them. If approached in a critical light, landscape can yield the same type of information that is asked in the survey of the depictions of women. An example would be English Romantic painting which was influenced by the social upheaval that occurred during the times of artists like Joseph Turner (1775–1851).

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Introductory Activity: Prior to the start of Activity 1, the teacher should discuss the difference between “the naked” and “the nude.” Berger interprets Kenneth Clark’s definition on the difference as, “In his book, The Nude, Kenneth Clark maintains that to be naked is simply to be without clothes, whereas to be nude is a form of art.” The teacher directs students to examine some historical art works that have women as the subject matter or use the female form.

2.   Art History Survey: Once students have viewed the art works from the list, they should be asked, “How did the artists choose to depict women in their works?” In order to help facilitate this discussion, the teacher should talk of the possessive gaze upon the female figure and the importance of where the figure is looking. Works by Degas and Gauguin are noted for their approaches to the depiction of women. In both men’s works, the viewer is provided a chance to catch women and young girls in private acts (bathing, rehearsing, and sleeping). The works of Frida Khalo provide a drastic contrast to Gauguin and Degas, as the women in her works are always directly looking at the viewer. There is no sense of shame and no hint of voyeurism; only a woman who defies the onlooker by engaging them directly. Once students have this information, they conduct a historical survey in which they examine works of art from 1800 to the present that use the female form or have women as subject matter. The presence of the nude in formal and academic art making during the 19th and 20th century raises issues of sensitivity when dealing with the depiction of women. As students will most likely encounter images of women without clothing they should be directed not to collect images that would be deemed pornographic, degrading to women, or from questionable print sources. Using visual art textbooks, recognized gallery websites and books that deal with the female form in a visual arts context should alleviate the risk of questionable depictions of women.  The purpose of this activity is for students to collect fine art images that will be placed into their sketchbook with research notes on the images they select. Once they have found three strong images of which two must be Canadian, they provide their interpretations to the following questions:

1.   Does the subject have control over the viewing experience?

2.   How has the artist set up the viewing experience (e.g., placement of figure, colour, and setting)?

3.   What does the work of art tell us about the cultural beliefs from that time period?

3.   Manipulation Drawing: The student is to take one of the works they have chosen and in their sketchbook draw the figure in a contemporary setting of their choice. The purpose in doing this is to get students to think of the figure as being tied to visual elements such as setting, and how changing or manipulating it can change the meaning and context of the work. The drawing can be in any medium and the figure must be newly positioned contextually. While they are doing their drawings, students should think about the following questions to be presented with their work:

1.   How did I change the interaction between the subject and viewer?

2.   Did I include any of my own cultural influences in the drawing?

3.   Did I include popular culture images in my new drawing? If so, which ones?

4.   What do the popular culture images say about my interests and the interests of those around me?

During the critique, students should be encouraged to share their answers with their peers.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         The teacher assesses the research and first three questions in a teacher-student conference
(Appendix 3.1.2). Formative

·         The teacher evaluates the sketchbook drawing and the last four questions. Summative

Accommodations

·         Allow additional time for students as required.

Resources

Beckett, Sister Wendy. Sister Wendy’s Grand Tour – Discovering Europe’s Great Art. New York: Stewart Tabori and Chang, 1994. ISBN 1-55670-509-3

Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. London: British Broadcasting Corporation, 1972. ISBN 0-14-013515-4

Kinsman Robinson Galleries. Norval Morrisseau. Toronto: Key Porter Books, 1997.
ISBN 1-55013-880-4

Martin, Elizabeth and Vivian Meyer, Female Gazes: Seventy-Five Women Artists. Toronto: Second Story Press, 1997. ISBN 0-929005-99-6

Murray, Joan. Canadian Art in the Twentieth Century. Toronto: Dundurn Press, 1999.
ISBN 1-55002-332-2

Newlands, Anne. The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson. Willowdale, Ontario: Firefly Books, 1995.
ISBN 1-895565-53-7

Vancouver Art Gallery. Beloved Land: The World of Emily Carr. Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre Limited, 1996. ISBN 1-55054-474-8

Mayer, R. and S. Sheehan. The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques. Toronto: Penguin Books, 1991. ISBN 0670837016

 

Activity 2:  Changing the Meaning

Time:  4 hours

Description

Students explore the act of using conventional materials to change the meaning of a common object. It is a technical exercise designed to begin the process of students looking to common objects as potential images/objects for an installation sculpture or site-specific work. There is an attempt to allow students to include objects and images that may not have been covered in their previous visual art classes, while simultaneously preparing for the final activity. Students produce a work that requires them to act as cultural anthropologists. Students should be shown pictures from the reproductions list (possibly Diego y yo, Object, Migrant Mother, The Dinner Party, or Sisters) during the first discussion of the assignment. This activity attempts to help students examine and explain the function of an object and how critical its use can be in their personal artworks. The activity supports the belief that objects/images have meaning and their inclusion in one’s artwork can have greater implications than assumed by the artist.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE3c - thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE4b - demonstrates flexibility and adaptability;

CGE5b - thinks critically about the meaning and purpose of work;

CGE7i - respects the environment and uses resources wisely.

Strand(s):  Creation and Analysis

Overall Expectations

THV.03 - demonstrate an understanding of the historical context and stylistic evolution of some fine art, applied design, and craft forms;

CRV.01 - identify and develop ideas and concepts to shape and unify their own art works;

ANV.02 - analyse and evaluate modern and contemporary Western works of art, as well as selected works of fine art, works in applied design, and works in crafts from African, Oceanic, Central and South American, and emerging art communities.

Specific Expectations

AN1.03 - explain the visual and conceptual aspects of art works in terms of the context in which the works were created;

AN1.04 - produce well-reasoned interpretations of art works based on information distilled from analyses of the works and from research on the works;

AN2.01 - explain how representational elements, the formal organization of visual content, and the expression of moods, feelings, and ideas are used in both the creation and the analysis of art works;

AN2.03 - explain, orally or in writing, a variety of reasons for making judgments about works of art;

AN2.05 - analyse the relationship between the works of an artist or designer and his or her culture;

AN2.06 - analyse ways in which art work shapes specific identities of groups or societies.

Planning Notes

·         The teacher should be fully aware of the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) guidelines associated with the production of fine arts.

·         Refer to Units 1 and 2 for discussion and examples of context and culture.

·         Discuss the fine points of comparing two works of art from different mediums.

·         To facilitate this activity show Meret Oppenheim’s Object, 1936, contrasted with a non-wrapped teacup, saucer, and spoon. That might help students see the impact wrapping an object could have. Be careful not to be prescriptive and allow them to explore all possibilities. Food would not be an advisable wrapping material.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Looking for Meaning: This assignment requires that students choose a common household object to be re-conceptualized. Some of the objects that students could choose are light bulbs, kitchen utensils, and shoes (clothes and fabric objects are not good choices). After choosing an object, students must make a list of all the uses of the object and the importance of the object for them personally and culturally. Is it an object that they could live without?

2.   Drawing the Object: In their sketchbooks, they must do two sketches of their objects from different angles.

3.   Reforming the Context: Students choose a material with which to wrap their object. Students could look at the work by Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Wall of Barrels-Iron, rue Visconti, Paris, 27 June, 1962, (Appendix I). They could use wrapping paper, leaves, hand made paper, fabric, glitter, and any material that could be glued to their object (they must use one material only). When they have finished the gluing, they must place their object beside their sketches and look for changes in that object. Some questions that could be asked are:

1.   Can I still use this object for its original purpose?

2.   Have I changed the cultural importance of the object?

3.   Is the value of the object more, now that I have made it into a piece of art work?

4.   Could I remove the wrapping and return the object to its original state? Would its value be the same as before?

5.   If someone from another continent saw this object in a museum, what would it say about our culture?

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Students present their final, wrapped object to a group of three classmates for peer assessment.

·         The teacher evaluates the sketchbook drawings in conjunction with the research completed.

Accommodations

·         Describe concrete examples during instruction. Some students with some disabilities may require very specific examples.

·         It is recommended that the teacher provide large objects to work with for students with fine motor control difficulties.

Resources

Mink, Janis. Duchamp. Hohenzollernring: Taschen, 1995. ISBN 3-8228-8883-4

Rossol, M. The Artist’s Complete Health and Safety Guide. New York: Allworth Press, 1994.

Garlick, Dr. Kenneth, ed. The Book of Art: A Pictorial Encyclopaedia of Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture, Revised ed. Vol. 6: British and North American Art to 1900. Vol. 10: How to Look At Art. Italy: Grolier, 1997. ISBN 0-7172-7356-3

 

Activity 3:  Leaving Your Mark

Time:  14 hours

Description

This activity, which consists of several parts, is the culminating task for this unit. Students are to comment on the status/condition of women around them. They create an installation sculpture that combines found objects, two original creations made specifically for this work, and a substructure to place them on.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE1h - respects the faith traditions, world religions, and the life-journeys of all people of good will;

CGE2c - presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE3d - makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE4f - applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and time and resource management skills;

CGE7e - witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful, and compassionate society;

CGE7g - respects and understands the history, cultural heritage, and pluralism of today’s contemporary society.

Strand(s):  Creation, Analysis, and Theory

Overall Expectations

CRV.02 - choose the materials, tools, techniques, themes, and process best suited to their fine art, applied design, or craft forms, and use materials and tools safely;

CRV.04 - document and evaluate their creative process and art works, using portfolios;

ANV.02 - analyse and evaluate modern and contemporary Western works of art, as well ass selected works of fine art, works of applied design, and works in crafts from African, Oceanic, Central and South American, and emerging art communities;

ANV.04 - explain the influence of aspects of social, cultural and political contexts, including arts organizations, on the creation and understanding of fine art, applied design, and craft works.

Specific Expectations

TH1.02 - explain how the technical approaches and the elements and principles of design found in a specific work of art support the expression of ideas in that work and contribute to its function;

TH1.03 - identify the materials, techniques, and process used to produce art and applied design forms intended for particular audiences;

TH2.01 - describe aspects of the history of modern Western art and of selected forms of African, Oceanic, and Central and South American art;

TH2.05 - describe ways in which the media and content of some modern, contemporary, and non-Western art forms reflect the changing roles of men and women in society;

CR2.04 - solve a series of artistic problems, showing an awareness of formal qualities, visual conventions, and relevant ideas and concepts;

CR3.03 - identity and explain the reasons why the works included in their presentation portfolios are the most appropriate works for inclusion;

AN1.01 - write original comparative analyses of art works, using appropriate terminology;

AN1.05 - identify influential contemporary artists whose art works reflect themes, techniques, content, or cultural connections similar to their own;

AN2.02 - analyse the form, scale, and presentation strategies associated with works of art intended for large audiences;

AN2.03 - explain orally or in writing, a variety of reasons for making judgments about works of art;

AN2.06 - analyse ways in which art work shapes specific identities or societies.

Planning Notes

·         Issues of safety and security should be discussed with students prior to their planning and execution of their installation sculpture. Teachers must consult with school and board officials about policy related to liability for installations either within the school or off site.

·         The teacher should try to provide a variety of resources on installation art for students. He/she should also discuss the difference between installation art and simple found objects. Emphasize the need for planning an assemblage of images, not just filling space.

·         It is possible for students to produce installation works as small as one foot by one foot. It is the complexity of the images (the way in which they are arranged, the meanings behind them, and the appropriate relationship between image and site) that truly make this work an installation sculpture.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Searching the Source: In order for students to do this activity they must keep a research journal. They research magazine and newspaper articles on the status/condition of women in Canada. Economic, social and political issues should be considered. Catholic Schools should use Social Justice or Jubilee as themes. The teachings of the Catholic Church, the Vatican, the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops, and articles from magazines and newspapers supported by the religious education staff at your school are beneficial resources students could use to comment on important issues for our Catholic Faith Community. The creation of an altar piece, a liturgical item, or a piece mounted on a wall in the school chapel would all be accessible to students in Catholic high schools, and should be encouraged. The use of the installation work as a physical manifestation of our faith is a powerful opportunity for mature students who wish to make a statement.

2.   Claiming Your Territory: Once students have their articles, they must choose a spot in the school that will be the location for an installation sculpture. Works by Renee Van Halm, Judith Schwartz, Jana Sterbak, Irene Whittome, Michael Snow, Collette Whiten, and Louise Nevelson would provide a variety of examples. Student’s installation sculptures do not have to be on a grand scale; rather it is the relationship between location and the work that is of importance. If your school lacks safe display space, students could be encouraged to create their installations off campus and use photo-documentation to record the process and finished piece of work. This would allow students to experience interaction in the community through proposing, negotiating, and advocating for the arts in their school. If the student’s display space is off campus, then they must use class time to produce elements of the installation or the entire installation (which would have to be dismantled and re-assembled). Once they have documented their work, they could also use class time to affix pictures in an aesthetically pleasing format that would convey the site, work, and meanings attached to both. The combination of information from articles, answers from Activity 2, and the selected location will be the basis for their theme.

3.   Transforming the Site: At this point students create and install their site-specific sculpture. Students must have at least three parts in their installation: a) found objects directly related to the status/condition of women; b) two original creations made specifically for this location/work, and c) a substructure on which to place all of these things. Students should be encouraged to include works from Units 1 and 2 in their installation if they are applicable. They should be warned about force fitting for the sake of filling space. The principles and elements of design are strong tools needed for this assignment. Students should be reminded about the purpose of the assignment and should find a creative way to express their ideas. They should also be reminded of their responsibility as image-makers and of the careful considerations that need to be present in choosing images and objects for inclusion in their installation.

4.   Writing it Down: While creating their installation, students should journal their findings, experiences, problems, and areas of future work. When the work is placed in its location, a one-page artist statement should be posted beside the installation with a response book near it to dialogue with viewers. The response book helps the student interact with a larger audience and simulate showing environments.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         The final evaluation for this activity includes a student self-assessment and a teacher evaluation through a teacher-student conference.

Accommodations

·         The topic/theme could be made less complex to meet the needs of students with learning exceptionalities.

Resources

Apostolos-Cappadona, Diane, ed. Art, Creativity, and the Sacred: An Anthology in Religion and Art. Revised ed. New York: The Continuum Publishing Co., 1995. ISBN 0-8264-0829-X

Art of the Western World Video set

Burnett, David. Masterpieces of Canadian Art from the National Gallery of Canada. Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers Ltd., 1990. ISBN 0-88830-344-0

Causey, Andrew. Sculpture Since 1945. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN 0-19-284205-6

Farrell, Anne, ed. Blurring the Boundaries, Installation Art, 1969-1996. Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, Seattle: Marquand Books Inc., 1997. ISBN 0-934418-44-6

Reid, Dennis. A Concise History of Canadian Painting, 2nd ed. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1988.
ISBN 0-19-540663-X

McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Artists in the Arctic: Resource Package. Kleinberg: Educational Services, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1996. ISBN 0-7778-5484-8

McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Contemporary Art by First Nations Artists: Resource Package. Kleinberg: Education Services, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1996. ISBN 0-7778-5485-6


Appendix 3.1.1

Research File Direction Questions

 

1.   What is the name and date of the work?

2.   What period of history is the work from? What elements place it in that period?

3.   What is the intent of the work? Why do you think the artist did the work?

4.   Give a description of the composition and any unique aspects of the work?

5.   What are some of the principles and elements of design used here?

6.   Has the work been used for other purposes such as advertising, or decoration?

7.   Can you find more than one depiction of the same topic or subject? What are the names?

8.   How does this work fit into your research file?

9.   Do you think this work could help someone else in the class? If so, how?

10.  Why did you choose this work?

Remember to keep a picture of your chosen work and your research notes.

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 3.1.2

 

Student-Teacher Conference Form

Student:

What were your successes in this assignment?

What would you like to continue to work on?

What elements from other works or sources did you use in this work?

Where would you like to display this work? Is it possible to do so?

What are your next steps?

How does this work fit into your portfolio and university/college portfolio?

 

Remember to bring this form with you to your conference.


Appendix 3.3.1

Components of Installation Art

 

“Artists who work in unconventional media such as installation function are the aesthetic explorers of their generation, and they operate in territory well beyond the conventional supply lines and safety nets of galleries and collectors” (Hugh M. Davies in Blurring the Boundaries).

 

There are specific aspects that need to be present in the creation of installation art works.

·         Intent, purpose, and planning are vital to the impact of your work.

·         It has to inhabit a physical space.

·         Will it be indoors, or outdoors?

·         Does it affect the flow of human activity?

·         How will the viewer come to look at the work?

·         There has to be some form of comment and connection in your work, based on what is happening around you. Visual, historical, and social occurrences can be a source of inspiration.

·         The work should invite or challenge the viewer to become an active participant.

·         The work should examine and challenge the traditional boundaries of visual arts displaying practices.

·         Installation pieces can involve sound dimensions, digital elements, performance aspects, and inter-disciplinary synthesis (all of the arts) in an attempt to enhance the viewing experience.

·         A successful installation sculpture, when comprised of strong individual elements, can be transformed into a unified statement on the exploration of topics and traditions in visual arts.


Appendix 3.3.2:  Installation Rubric

Criteria

Level 1

(50-59%)

Level 2

(60-69%)

Level 3

(70-79%)

Level 4

(80-100%)

Communication

Use of equipment, materials, and technology

- uses equipment, materials, and technology safely and correctly only with supervision

- uses equipment, materials, and technology safely and correctly with some supervision

- uses equipment, materials, and technology safely and correctly

- demonstrates and promotes the safe and correct use of equipment, materials, and technology

Application

of the creative process (striving for originality, exploring alternative approaches)

- applies the creative process with limited effectiveness

- applies the creative process with some effectiveness

- applies the creative process with considerable effectiveness

- applies the creative process with a high degree of effectiveness, and with confidence

Communication

and expression of ideas and information for different audiences and purposes

- communicates and expresses ideas and information for different audiences and purposes with limited clarity

- communicates and expresses ideas and information for different audiences and purposes with moderate clarity

- communicates and expresses ideas and information for different audiences and purposes with considerable clarity

- communicates and expresses ideas and information for different audiences and purposes with a high degree of clarity

Thinking/Inquiry

Making connections (e.g., between the arts and personal experience; and the world outside of the school)

- makes connections with limited effectiveness

- makes connections with moderate effectiveness

- makes connections with considerable effectiveness

- makes connections with a high degree of effectiveness

Knowledge/

Understanding

Understanding of concepts, elements, principles, and theories connected to art

 

Identifying the intent and purpose of their installation sculpture

- demonstrates limited understanding of concepts, elements, principles, and theories

 

- limited evidence of intent and purpose of installation sculpture

- demonstrates some understanding of concepts, elements, principles, and theories

 

- some evidence of intent and purpose of installation sculpture

- demonstrates considerable understanding of concepts, elements, principles, and theories

 

- moderate evidence of intent and purpose of installation sculpture

- demonstrates a thorough and insightful understanding of concepts, elements, principles, and theories

- thorough and insightful evidence of intent and purpose of installation sculpture

Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1(50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.

 

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