Learning Objectives
Become familiar with the requirements of the Comparative Study
Analyze, interpret and evaluate artworks
Identify sources and use an academic referencing system
Use subject-specific language to discuss art
Compare and make connections between artworks from different cultural contexts
Consider how to structure and present your Comparative Study
HL- See your own developing art practice in relation to other artists and art history
The CS is a critical comparison of at least three works by at least two different artists from different cultural contexts that you have chosen for their relevance and your personal interests.
You will use research and personal reflection to analyze and interpret these art works.
The final CS is 20% of your overall IB DP Visual Arts grade. It is submitted as a digital file and assessed on a computer screen. Although there is no prescribed word count or format there is a specified number of screens for SL and HL.
SL- 10-15 screens
HL- 10-15 screens, plus 3-5 screens in which you analyze your own artist in relation to the artists and artworks you have chosen.
A . Identification and analysis of formal qualities...... 6 points
B. Analysis and understanding of function and purpose...... 6 points
C. Analysis and evaluation of cultural significance...... 6 points
D. Making comparisons and connections...... 6 points
E. Presentation and subject specific language...... 6 points
F. (HL ONLY) Making connections to own art-making practice...... 12 points
We will begin working on the Comparative Study in October 2021. It will be due in class May 2022, and will be submitted to IB February 15, 2023. Your work will be graded by me in May 2022, but you will have an opportunity to make adjustments prior to submitting to IB in Fall 2022. We will complete the Comparative Study during your first year in the program so that in year two you can focus on your Exhibition pieces and your Process Portfolio.
Developing your skills in research, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and comparison is a key learning objective for this component of the course, as is developing your understanding of art terminology.
Gaining knowledge through thoughtful examination and research of an artwork will change the way look at art and give you insight into an artist's intentions and the context in which an artwork was made.
Begin by describing the formal, visual aspects of an artwork. This is essentially describing what you see.
Elements of Art- Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Value, Space, Pattern
Principles of Design- Pattern, Contrast, Emphasis, Balance, Proportion, Harmony, Rhythm/Movement
Using the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to start, you can learn to communicate and discuss an artwork with confidence. These are a great starting point when diving into an artwork. Keep in mind, different art media requires different analysis- a painting is not the same as a sculpture, installation, or moving image.
What is it made for?
Some artworks have a clear purpose- a clay pot, couture gown, or chair. Artworks can have a religious or narrative purpose, serve as a status symbol, or be created simply to shock and disturb.
Some functions of art: Expressive, descriptive, conceptual, practical function, religious, historical narrative function, commemorative, political, symbolic, decorative, ritual, shock.
For the Comparative Study, you are asked to choose artworks from different cultural contexts for comparison. A cultural context is the background from which an artwork emerges, the place and time and the causes and conditions that have helped shape the work. Different cultural contexts might mean the artwork comes from different geographical or cultural backgrounds or different periods in history.
Where was it made? When was it made? What cultural, social, political, historical, and personal influences shaped it?
You will compare and contrast the formal qualities, purpose and function, cultural similarities and differences of your chosen artworks.
You will need to use at least one artwork that you have seen in person in a museum, gallery, or artist's studio. Artwork seen in person would be considered a primary source. We will use art books and exhibition catalogues to find reproductions of artworks for your remaining works in the Comparative Study.
You must always cite your sources. You are required to submit a bibliography for your Comparative Study as a separate document. In your Google Drive folder you will have a word document to collect your sources. As soon as you find a source (an image or text) you would like to refer to, add it to the Google Doc using correct citation. This will save you a ton of time late on and will prevent you from losing valuable resource material.