SL: Connections Study Overview

Visual Arts Guide: "Connections Study" pg. 66-71

What is it?
A stand-alone SL-only task where you independently situate one of your resolved artworks. You’ll explore connections to your own context and to at least two other artists, refine your work through feedback, and present a visually and critically justified study of cultural significance.

Weighting: 20% of final SL grade

CS sample 1 - C_Study.pdf

CS sample 1 - Sources.pdf

What to Submit: SL Connections Study (CS)

One PDF file with 10 screens
These screens must include:

- - Comparative analysis of at least two artworks by different artists
  - Exploration of how these works relate to your own art-making
  - Discussion of cultural significance and context

Written content embedded within the screens

- - Maximum 2,500 words total across the 10 screens
  - Clear, concise writing using subject-specific vocabulary

One separate text file listing your sources

The focus should be on visual and contextual analysis. Use images, diagrams, and comparisons to communicate your ideas clearly, show, don’t tell. Use writing to explain, reflect, and connect artworks to your own practice.

You’ll be assessed on how well you investigate, compare, situate, and reflect on connections between artworks, artists, and your own creative development. Use clear, specific, and thoughtful art vocabulary throughout.

This is your chance to show how your research, observations, and art-making are connected across cultures and creative practices.

See LEFT for a student example of this body of work

Overview:
In the Connections Study, SL students must situate one of their own resolved artworks by showing how it connects to at least two artworks by other artists. This means explaining where their work fits in terms of cultural significance, context, and influence, using reliable research and thoughtful comparisons. By exploring how artists respond to their environments and audiences, students learn to investigate, reflect, and analyze more deeply. Situating helps students understand their place in a larger artistic conversation and make more meaningful, informed creative choices.

Purpose of the Connections Study:

This task shows that you can:

Research and analyze art from different contexts
Understand cultural significance
Reflect on how other artists influence your own work

What to Include:

High-quality images of the selected artworks
Visual and written comparison of formal qualities (color, composition, technique etc.)
Analysis of cultural, historical, or spiritual context
Discussion of the function, purpose, and meaning of the artworks
Visual and written connections to your own creative work or process

SL Task 2 Marking Criteria - CS Breakdown

A: Connections with context(s) (AO: Situate)

Explain how your resolved artwork connects to your personal, local, or global context(s)
Use clear visual and written evidence to show how your artwork communicates these connections

Aim for: Justified, well-supported connections clearly evaluated with visual evidence (7–8)

B: Connections with artworks (AO: Situate)

Analyze how your resolved artwork connects with at least two artworks by different artists
Use relevant visual evidence and explain how these artworks relate to your own ideas and intentions

Aim for: Relevant, meaningful connections with justified comparisons and strong visual analysis (7–8)

C: Investigation of cultural significance (AO: Investigate)

Show an understanding of how the two selected artworks are significant in their original contexts and to different audiences
Link this research meaningfully to your own resolved artwork using evidence

Aim for: Evaluated, well-researched insights clearly linked to your own artwork (7–8)

CS Tools for Success:

Remember:

Start with a strong artwork
Choose a resolved artwork that has meaningful personal, cultural, or conceptual depth. It should be something you can discuss confidently and connect with other artists' work.

Be intentional with your artist choices
Select at least two artworks by different artists that genuinely connect with your own work in terms of theme, material, style, cultural significance, or purpose. Avoid picking artists just because they are famous.

Show, don’t just tell
Use visual evidence (images, sketches, comparisons) to support what you're saying. Don’t rely only on writing, let the visuals speak too.

Dig into cultural significance
Go beyond basic facts. Ask yourself: What did this artwork mean in its time? What does it say now? How might different people interpret it? Show that you’ve thought deeply and researched carefully.

Use clear art vocabulary
Terms like symbolism, contrast, composition, scale, juxtaposition, intention, cultural context, and audience reception should appear throughout your study. Use them accurately and confidently.

Be critical and reflective
Explain your decisions. Don’t just describe, analyze and justify your ideas. Discuss why your artwork relates to the others and how you refined your thinking.

Stay focused and within limits
Max 10 screens and 2,500 words total. Use the space wisely. Every screen should show clear evidence and progress your analysis.

Cite your sources properly
Include a separate source list. Use proper referencing for all artist images, research, and ideas that aren’t your own. Plagiarism, even accidental, can lower your score.

Check your rubric often
Revisit the criteria to ensure you're hitting the highest descriptors: justified connections, strong analysis, meaningful research, and clearly articulated ideas.

Get feedback before finalizing
Ask your teacher and peers to review your study. Use their insights to refine your comparisons, language, visuals, and layout.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse