More art analysis
If you have looked at the basics of analysing art, then you might find this approach a little more challenging, if the artist is not there to tell you about the art work you might have to spend some time guessing, or in a gallery you might find an Artists Statement to give you some starting points or clues to go from. To assist you further, see if any of these statements give you some good clues.
Define the purpose
• To create beauty
• To reveal truth
• To immortalise
• To express religious or other values
• To stimulate the intellect
• To create order and harmony
• To create chaos
• To reflect society and culture
• To protest injustice/raise social consciousness
• To express the universal
• To meet the personal needs of the artist.
Analysing the elements of art
• Locate the focal point (where your immediate attention/eye goes).
• Define the medium (painting, sculpture, photography, drawing etc.)
• Abstract, realistic or stylised?
• Have they used light and dark for contrast?
• Does the colour have a psychological effect or create a mood?
• What is the effect of texture, finish, materials used?
• Look at the design features, Line shape, tone, colour form, subject matter and composition as starting points. How well do these work to communicate the artists intent?
Often in analysing art you can use these starting points and couple them with further research on the artists online or in books. Imagine thinking one thing about a work, only to find the artists view is quite different…
Notice how the analysis process os not so much about “do you like it” but more about exploring the intended message. Use this as a guide to looking at art and how you can explore things more deeply.
Suggestion - If you spend a lot of time in art galleries pondering about art, it’s value’s and meanings you might find it taxing mentally and physically, so I suggest you make the process brief, checking out each work for only a few minutes (or moments) then moving on. You may even find having a quick browse and returning to works that “grab your attention” for an extended look can be useful.
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