C. Cultural Context

Artwork can largely be influenced by time and place in history. This helps to give context and significance to the work.

Where in the world was the work made? When? How did this influence the content and the media chosen? What else was happening in other parts of the world that might give it context? Was the work unique for its place in history? How has this changed over time?

Sometimes B. Function and purpose can be closely related to C. Cultural context. As the function and purpose is often shaped by culture.

Using June McFee's cultural framework can be a way to organize this information to meet both criterion. (See below)

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At the highest level on the rubric:

"The work provides a consistently insightful and informed analysis and thorough evaluation of the material, conceptual, and significance of the selected pieces from at last two contrasting cultural contexts.

"The IB art student should be aware of the cultural and historical context for a work of art, be it a Paleolithic cave painting or an Abstract Expressionist canvas. What forces helped shape this work? What was the background, the context in which it was made? The cultural background of an artwork requires researching the causes and conditions that shaped the piece.

For example, on this CS page, by Lisa F ( thanks to her teacher Rona McDonald for sharing), Lisa explores the cultural background of El Anatsui's artwork, and how his own culture and place helped form the identity and the message of his work." -Heather McReynolds, IB Inthinking