The WACE exam for Visual Art has remained largely unchanged over recent years. It consists of 3 sections;
The exam paper consists of 3 sections;
Section One (30min) - relates to discussing elements and principles within an image, consists of two questions.
Section Two (60min) - extended response, compare and contrast essay
Section Three (60min) - extended response that looks at the artist that you have studied over the semester and their artworks . Consists of a choice of one of two questions.
EXAM REVISION - BELOW ARE ALL EXAMPLES BASED OFF PAST WACE EXAMS. THE QUESTION YOU GET IN YOUR EXAM MAY BE WORDED DIFFERENTLY AND ASK FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION. READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY.
Section One: (30 min)
2 questions (15 min per question) - You must answer BOTH.
Question Examples:
Using art terminology, describe the use of the elements and principles of art in the artwork.
Using art terminology, describe how the media in the artwork, depicts a domestic interior through the application of the elements and principles of art.
The principles of art include emphasis, movement, rhythm, repetition, pattern, balance, contrast and unity. Using art terminology, explain the selective application of the principles of art in the artwork.
Revision:
No introduction or conclusion - extended answer section.
15 minutes per question
The question is asking about elements and principles NOT meaning and purpose. UNLESS IT STATES OTHERWISE.
Discuss as many elements and principles as possible (UNLESS IT STATES OTHERWISE) - WHAT, WHERE, HOW and WHY
Know your elements and principles.
Read the questions carefully. What elements and principles is the question asking you to write about? Is the question asking you to comment on how the media helps depict the message? Is the question asking you to comment on how the title helps depict the message?
Section Two: (60 min)
This section has ONE question. You must answer this question.
Question Examples:
Example 1
Refer to Sources 3 and 4 in the Source booklet.
Compare and contrast Sources 3 and 4. Reflect on the depiction of human labour in each artwork and the attitude expressed by each artist toward this activity evident in the two artworks.
Use art terminology and include the following in your response:
● similarities and differences in Sources 3 and 4
● the styles and techniques used in the artwork
● how the elements and principles of art are used to support meaning
● an evaluation and justification of your opinion of the depiction of human labour and the attitude expressed by each artist.
Example 2
Refer to Sources 3 and 4 in the Source booklet.
Sources 3 and 4 both make comment on the relationship between humans and their environment. Compare and contrast the two artworks and evaluate how the artists communicate their viewpoint. Justify your opinion with evidence from the two artworks.
In your response include the following:
● art terminology and visual analysis of the two artworks (10 marks)
● similarities and differences between Sources 3 and 4 (10 marks)
● the meaning and purpose of the two artworks (10 marks)
● personal response of how the artists successfully communicate their viewpoints. (10 marks)
Revision:
The Question states the two artworks and the concepts (meaning and purpose) they are covering (which you must refer to through your answer.
Compare and Contrast the artworks presented and in your response discuss using art terminology:
the differences and similarities between the two artworks
the style and subject matter used in each artwork
how the elements and principles of art are used to support meaning
an evaluation and justification of your opinion of __________(the concept)
Read the dot points carefully. This is how you should structure your essay
Consistently refer to the similarities and differences in each paragraph
Discuss as many elements and principles in each artwork as possible - mainly the ones that are important in both artworks
Conclude by evaluating and justifying of your opinion of the concept covered in both artworks.
Section Three: (60 min)
This section contains two questions. You must answer one question.
Question Examples:
Example 1
‘Art is a product of its time and place’.
(a) With reference to the quotation, discuss and justify, using more than one artwork, how time and place have influenced the choices made by your research/investigation artist(s) in relation to their art practice. (25 marks)
(b) Using art terminology and more than one artwork by your research/investigation artist(s): discuss technique, style and subject matter. Explain the meaning of the artwork. (15 marks)
Example 2
(a) With reference to the social, historical and/or cultural context of your research/investigation artist(s), discuss how time and/or place has shaped their viewpoint. In your personal response reflect on the impact these contextual factors have on their art practice. (20 marks)
(b) Examine how meaning and purpose is conveyed through the choice and application of materials, media and/or technology by your research/investigation artist(s). Using art terminology, refer to more than one artwork in your response. (20 marks)
Revision:
Do your exam backwards!
Start with Section 3 - it's worth the most marks.
This keeps you investigation artist info fresh in your head.
Know your artist well - their background (historical context) and their intent and meaning behind their series of works (social,cultural,political contexts in the work).
HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE QUESTION
Questions always vary so read the questions CAREFULLY
If the question does not have a prompt this can generally be easier as you don't have to keep referring to the artwork/quote. Read the questions and decide which best fits for your artist.
Structure your exam clearly in to part A and B. UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE.