VCE Studio Arts

1. VCE Studio Arts Review of the 2001 exam. Judy Petch

2. Lets start with what the study design tells us. • Length of time • Type of questions • Knowledge & skills • Visual material

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

4. 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?

5. Jean-Michel Basquiat Tabac, 1984

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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, don’t memorize • Use all of the exam time provided

13. Good Luck!