Basic art analysis
Here are some techniques you can use to analyse artworks objectively.
• Analyse – Looking at works of art, designed objects, photographs etc with the aim of investigating them without putting a value judgment on them (Like it - don’t like it).
• Evaluate - Develop an objective and hopefully an informed opinion about the objects by looking at:
• What is it? Painting – sculpture etc…
• Who created it?
• What date was it created?
• What size is it?
• What materials is it made out of?
• What is the main subject matter, landscape, portrait, landscape, abstract?
• What is contained within the piece? Figures, trees, flowers?
• What, if any is the meaning the artist or designer was trying to convey?
• What techniques did they use?
• What art style does it fit to, if any?
• Context - Put the work into context. For example:
• Why was it created? (cultural - personal - other)
• When and where was it created?
• What is its purpose? (if any!)
• Is it functional, conceptual or purely aesthetic?
These are starting points you can use with any artwork, with practice over time you may start to discover greater meaning even in the most abstract of works.
Consider
- Testing the questions out on various artworks you see in books, start with reasonably realistic images you can see clearly, try doing it verbally so you can develop some spped to the analysis process.
- Go to an art gallery and try it out on artwork you have not seen before, try it in small groups to see if the others see things the same way you do.
If you are a student it can be highly valuable to analyse works fast and this is a great way to get started.
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