Contemporary Framework Analysis
Analysis of an artwork
Analysis of an artwork that you have not seen before
What is the name of the artist?
Does the title of the artwork give any clues as to the messages and meanings in this artwork?
What is the date of the artwork?
Where is it exhibited or installed?
What description of the work or artistic concept have you been given that will allow you to describe the artwork in contemporary terms such as a video installation or a site specific installation?
Continuing on...
STEP THREE: Discuss the ways in which the production of the artwork and/or the subject matter of the artwork display elements of Contemporary Art practice and/or which may challenge the traditional understanding of the art object. Look for and discuss the following where applicable:
the use of techniques and materials
the use of mixed media and mixed techniques
the use of digital manipulation and printing
the use of installation as an artform
the use of the moving image and sound
the heavy reliance on concept rather than form
the level of interactivity or participation by viewers
the use of appropriation as an artistic strategy
the delegation of production tasks and issues around artistic authorship
the site of the artwork and how this challenges the traditional method of displaying art in galleries.
STEP FOUR: Discuss whether the artwork requires a viewer to engage in new ways of experiencing art as compared with the traditional mode of viewing passively at an object on a wall or on a pedestal in a gallery.
STEP FIVE: Discuss your own interpretation of the meanings and messages in the artwork and the possible interpretations other viewers might develop based on different cultural perspectives such as nationality, level of art education, gender, age or racial or ethnic identity. Remember that under contemporary art ideas and theory the interpretation of meaning in an artwork is never fixed and can never be solely determined by the artist.
Key discussion points - Contemporary Framework
Appropriation and the attack on originality
Modes of production and absence of the artist's hand
The distinction between art and craft and the mixing of techniques and media
The Contemporary Framework
Art Melbourne
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