Structuring your CS

Slide 1 – Introduction
Content:

• Briefly introduce your investigation topic

• State the theme or concept connecting the artworks

• Mention why you chose these works and how they link to your own interests (especially for HL)

Tips:

• Keep it concise but engaging

• Use a strong thematic statement that gives the viewer a clear sense of focus

• Include a visual hook (relevant image or collage) to set the tone
  
  

Slide 2 – Artwork 1: Identification & Context
Content:

• Title, artist, date, medium, size, location

• Cultural and historical background of the work

Tips:

• Use high-quality image(s)

• Connect facts to the broader cultural context instead of just listing details

• Include relevant historical or societal events for deeper context
  
  

Slide 3 – Artwork 1: Formal Qualities
Content:

• Visual analysis using elements (line, shape, color, etc.) and principles (balance, contrast, rhythm, etc.)

• How these choices affect meaning or viewer response

Tips:

• Use clear art vocabulary

• Point to specific areas of the image with annotations

• Avoid purely descriptive phrases—always link observations to meaning
  
  

Slide 4 – Artwork 1: Function, Purpose, and Significance
Content:

• Original function and purpose of the work

• Material, conceptual, and cultural significance for original and contemporary audiences

Tips:

• Support claims with research

• Show understanding of both original intent and how meaning may have shifted over time

Slide 5 – Artwork 2: Identification & Context
Content:

• Same format as Slide 2 for the second artwork

Tips:

• Ensure context is from a clearly different culture or historical period than Artwork 1

• Use visuals that support your research points
  
  

Slide 6 – Artwork 2: Formal Qualities
Content:

• Same format as Slide 3 for the second artwork

Tips:

• Highlight similarities and differences with Artwork 1 where relevant

• Use diagrams or overlays to show design features
  
  

Slide 7 – Artwork 2: Function, Purpose, and Significance
Content:

• Same format as Slide 4 for the second artwork

Tips:

• Use credible academic sources

• Integrate short quotes or paraphrases with citations
  
  

Slide 8 – Artwork 3: Identification & Context
Content:

• Same format as Slide 2 for the third artwork

Tips:

• Keep consistency in formatting across all identification slides

• Highlight context that makes it distinct from the other works
  
  

Slide 9 – Artwork 3: Formal Qualities
Content:

• Same format as Slide 3 for the third artwork

Tips:

• Ensure variety in the formal qualities you emphasize compared to other works

• Maintain clarity in linking form to meaning
  
  

Slide 10 – Artwork 3: Function, Purpose, and Significance
Content:

• Same format as Slide 4 for the third artwork

Tips:

• Show understanding of both local and global perspectives

• Use side-by-side visuals for impact

Slide 11 – Comparison: Cultural Context
Content:

• Compare similarities and differences in the cultural and historical contexts of all works

Tips:

• Use a chart, table, or Venn diagram for clarity

• Make comparisons meaningful and tied to your theme

Slide 12 – Comparison: Formal Qualities
Content:

• Compare similarities and differences in visual and design elements

Tips:

• Include side-by-side images

• Use color-coded annotations to show similarities and differences
  
  

Slide 13 – Comparison: Function, Purpose, and Significance
Content:

• Compare how function, purpose, and cultural significance relate across the works

Tips:

• Highlight both differences and unexpected similarities

• Tie comparisons back to your overall theme
  
  

Slide 14 – HL Only: Connections to Own Art-Making
Content:

• Show specific ways your own work has been influenced by your research

• Include images of your own pieces with labels and short explanations

Tips:

• Be explicit about which artist or work influenced each aspect of your art

• Show process images or sketches to prove influence in action
  
  

Slide 15 – Sources & Final Presentation Check
Content:

• Complete reference list in correct format

• Ensure in-text citations appear on relevant slides

• Any final summary statement or thematic wrap-up

Tips:

• Follow the school’s referencing style exactly

• Use a clean, readable layout for your bibliography

• Double-check all citations match in-text references