Visual Arts

To help you transition seamlessly into the rigours of the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme, this subject page houses your essential preparatory resources. Beyond the required Summer Task, designed to prime your analytical and subject-specific skills, you will find curated Recommended Reading and Recommended Viewing lists. These selections are handpicked by your future teachers to broaden your perspective, ignite your curiosity, and provide the cultural and academic context necessary for high-level inquiry. Engaging with these materials now will not only ease the step up from Grade 10 but will also give you a distinct advantage as you begin your two-year journey. 

Art Movements Exploration – IB Visual Arts Preparation

Before beginning the IB Visual Arts course, you will explore the fascinating world of Art Movements. This task will help you build the research, observation and analytical skills needed for the course.

Complete the following tasks:

1. Choose ONE Art Movement from the list below:

• Impressionism

• Post-Impressionism

• Cubism

• Fauvism

• Surrealism

• Pop Art

• Street Art

• Minimalism

• Abstract Expressionism

• Op Art

2. Research your chosen movement and create a digital presentation (3-5 slides) including:

• Historical background (When? Where? Why?)

• Key characteristics and visual elements

• Three influential artists

• Three artworks with a short analysis of each

• How this movement has influenced contemporary art and design

• Your personal reflection: Which aspects of this movement inspire you most and why?

3. Studio Investigation
Create one original artwork inspired by your chosen movement. The artwork should demonstrate the movement's style while including your own creative interpretation. Any medium may be used (drawing, painting, mixed media, digital art, collage, etc.).

Submission: Bring your presentation and artwork to your first Visual Arts lesson in Grade 11.

The following books are excellent introductions to the history of art and major art movements:

• The Story of Art – E. H. Gombrich (selected chapters on major art movements)

• Art: The Definitive Visual Guide – DK Publishing

• Visit the Google Arts & Culture website to explore museums, artists and art movements from around the world.

The following videos and documentaries provide an engaging introduction to art history and major art movements.

YouTube

• The Art Assignment – Introduction to major art movements

• Tate Kids / Tate – Short videos explaining famous artists and movements

• MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) – Artist interviews and collection highlights

Documentaries

• The Impressionists (BBC)

Virtual Museum Visits

• National Gallery London Virtual Tours

• Musée d'Orsay Virtual Collection