Art

Unit 1 & 2

Course Description

VCE Art introduces the role of art, in all forms of media, in contemporary and historical cultures and societies. Students build an understanding of how artists, through their practice and the artworks they produce, communicate their experiences, ideas, values, beliefs and viewpoints. In this study, students view artworks and investigate the working practices of artists from different cultures and periods of time. VCE Art challenges students to articulate their understanding of the meanings and messages contained within artworks and to examine the effects of artworks upon the viewer. Students develop skills in research, analysis, art history and criticism to interpret and debate the ideas and issues that are raised in artworks and, in response, they form and support personal points of view. Through exploration and experimentation, students develop skills in creative, critical, reflective and analytical thinking to explore, develop and refine visual artworks in a range of art forms, and to develop an awareness of appropriate health and safety practices. VCE Art equips students with practical and theoretical skills that enable them to follow pathways into tertiary art education or further training in a broad spectrum of art related careers. VCE Art also offers students opportunities for personal development and encourages them to make an ongoing contribution to the culture of their community through participation in lifelong art making. 

Unit 1: Artworks, experience and meaning 

In this unit students focus on artworks as objects and examine how art elements, art principles, materials and techniques and artistic processes communicate meaning. They examine artists in different societies and cultures, and historical periods, and develop their own viewpoints about the meanings and messages of artworks. Students explore the practices of artists who have been inspired by ideas relating to personal and cultural identity. They study at least three artists and at least one artwork from each of the selected artists. Students apply the Structural Framework and the Personal Framework to interpret the meanings and messages of artworks and to document the reflection of their own ideas and art making. They learn how to formulate and substantiate personal opinions about artworks. In their practical work, students explore areas of personal interest and the characteristics of materials, techniques and the art process. Students develop an understanding of the use of visual language to document their exploration and development of ideas, techniques and processes in a visual diary. 

Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:

Assessment Tasks

Pathways 

Unit 2: Artworks and contemporary culture 

In this unit students use the Cultural Framework and the Contemporary Framework to examine the different ways that artists interpret and present social and personal issues in their artistic practice. They apply the Cultural Framework and the Contemporary Framework as appropriate to the selection of artworks. In students’ own artistic practice, they continue to use the art process and visual language to explore and experiment with materials and techniques and to develop personal and creative responses. They explore the way cultural contexts and contemporary ideas and approaches to art have influenced their artwork. Students investigate how artworks can be created as forms of expression for specific cultural and contemporary contexts. Students may research contemporary artworks, public art, community and collaborative artworks, art produced for festivals, newspaper cartoons, art prizes, curated exhibitions, performance art, ephemeral and environmental art and street art. Students begin to see the importance of the cultural context of artworks and analyse the varying social functions that art can serve. Students use the Contemporary Framework to examine artworks from different periods of time and cultures. 

Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:

Assessment Tasks

Pathways into VCE or VCAL

Textbook requirements:

NA

Resources/Requirements: 


Additional Costs

Careers and Pathways:

VCE Art

What Courses/Careers this could lead to: 

Multimedia artist, Photographer,Illustrator, Digital Media, Fine arts, Games Designer, Fashion Designer, Museum Practices,and Graphic Designer. 

If you enjoy or are good at this learning area, you can explore these occupations.