Writing: Curatorial Rationale/EX text

Exhibition text

Level 1-2 (Minimal Communication)

“This painting shows a forest. I used green and brown colors to make it look natural. I wanted the viewer to feel like they are walking through the woods. The tree in the middle is supposed to show the strength of nature. I didn’t use too many details because I wanted to keep it simple. I didn’t really think about symbolism or a deeper meaning. It’s mostly just about nature.”

• Minimal description of the work, focusing only on basic color use and a general theme without further elaboration on intent or technique.

Level 3-4 (Basic Communication)

“In this piece, I wanted to explore the theme of identity by showing different versions of myself in a surreal landscape. I used oil paint to create a dream-like effect, with distorted shapes and bright, unnatural colors to reflect how memories and personal experiences shape who we are. The figure in the middle represents my inner self, while the background shows different environments that have influenced me. The composition uses elements of contrast and proportion to reflect my shifting sense of self.”

• This text explains the concept and artistic choices more clearly but still lacks depth in discussing techniques and the overall purpose of the work.

Level 5-6 (Adequate Communication)

“This series of photographs explores the theme of isolation in urban spaces. I used black-and-white photography to create a stark contrast between light and shadow, enhancing the mood of loneliness. The framing emphasizes empty spaces in the city, and I deliberately left out people to focus on the absence of human interaction. The harsh lighting creates a sense of alienation, and the use of geometric shapes reflects the rigid, impersonal structure of city life. The work invites the viewer to reflect on urban alienation.”

• This example provides a stronger sense of thematic intention, media use, and technique. It links the formal qualities to the concept but still could be more explicit in discussing how these elements achieve the artist's goals.

Level 7 (Exceptional Communication)

“This sculpture, ‘Fleeting Moments,’ reflects the ephemeral nature of time and memory. I chose glass and resin as my primary materials to symbolize transparency and fragility. The glass is shaped into flowing forms that mirror water, a metaphor for how memories slip through our consciousness. The use of translucent layers and light manipulation allows the viewer to see through the piece, emphasizing the idea of impermanence. This work invites contemplation on how we perceive time and how fleeting moments define our human experience.”

• This is a well-rounded example that explains the artist’s concept, choice of materials, and symbolism in a concise and articulate manner, directly connecting the artistic decisions to the viewer's interpretation of the piece.

Level 1-2 (Minimal Communication)

“This work is about change. The tree represents life. I used paint to show growth, but I didn’t add too much detail because I wanted it to be simple. I didn’t think about a deeper meaning, just wanted to show something from nature. I chose green because it’s the color of trees. The background is brown because I wanted it to look natural.”

• There’s a lack of depth in discussing the artistic process, materials, and theme, and the message is oversimplified without an explanation of artistic intention.

Level 3-4 (Basic Communication)

“This abstract painting represents the chaos of modern life. I used bold, quick brushstrokes to create a sense of movement, and I chose bright colors like red and yellow to evoke energy. The large shapes dominate the composition, reflecting how overwhelming life can be at times. I wanted to express emotion rather than a specific scene, so I didn’t include any recognizable objects or figures. The work captures the feeling of losing control in a fast-paced world.”

• There is a better sense of intentionality behind the choices, but it could benefit from a deeper explanation of how the formal elements serve the concept.

Level 5-6 (Adequate Communication)

“This mixed-media piece explores the theme of memory and nostalgia. I combined acrylic paint with printed photographs to create a layered effect, symbolizing how memories build on top of each other. The muted color palette reflects the fading of memories over time. I used texture by scraping away at certain areas of the canvas, representing the fragmentation of memory. The imagery includes personal photographs from my childhood, enhancing the work’s connection to my own experiences.”

• Here, the student connects media choices (acrylic, printed photographs) to the concept (memory and nostalgia) and explains how formal qualities, like texture and color, support the theme.

Level 7 (Exceptional Communication)

“This installation, ‘Echoes of Silence,’ examines the emotional weight of grief and loss. I used wire to sculpt fragmented human figures, suspended from the ceiling to create a sense of floating or being trapped between worlds. The shadows cast on the walls suggest the lingering presence of those we’ve lost, and the reflective surfaces symbolize the way grief distorts our perceptions. The space around the figures is intentionally empty, heightening the feeling of isolation. The work invites the viewer to confront their own experiences with loss.”

• This writing clearly communicates the concept (grief and loss), materials (wire, shadows), and how these are purposefully used to evoke emotional responses. There is also attention to the spatial relationships in the work, adding depth to the explanation.

Curatorial rationale 

Curatorial Rationale (SL and HL) Writing Samples by Criteria

Level 1-2 (Minimal Communication)

"My exhibition is about nature. I included different artworks showing trees, water, and animals. I used bright colors to make the works more appealing. I wanted to show how nature is beautiful and how we should take care of it. I didn’t think much about connecting the artworks, but they all have something to do with nature. The materials I used were easy to work with, like pencil and watercolor. My intention was to just show my love for nature, and I think I did that in a simple way."

• Minimal understanding of how the works connect thematically or conceptually. Lacks a deeper explanation of the relationship between materials, techniques, and concepts. Little thought to the curatorial process.

Level 3-4 (Basic Communication)

"In my exhibition, I explored themes of identity and self-reflection. My works include a series of portraits and abstract representations of personal experiences. I used acrylic paint and charcoal because they allowed me to create different textures and layers. Although some pieces focus on personal experiences, others explore broader aspects of human emotion. I didn’t realize at first, but after reviewing my works, I saw that they all dealt with similar emotional themes. I think the use of color ties them together."

• Shows some attempt at discussing thematic or stylistic relationships but lacks depth in connecting materials and concepts. There is a basic curatorial strategy but little evidence of deliberate planning or consistent communication of intentions.

Level 5-6 (Adequate Communication)

"My exhibition, ‘Fragments of Memory,’ focuses on how memories shape our identity and perceptions of the world. Each artwork represents a different aspect of memory, from childhood experiences to forgotten moments. I chose a range of media, including photography, mixed media, and painting, to express the diversity of memory. The photographic works capture specific moments, while the mixed media pieces use layers to symbolize the complex and fragmented nature of recollection. My use of a muted color palette throughout the exhibition creates a sense of nostalgia, helping to unify the different pieces. The exhibition aims to take the viewer on a journey through personal and collective memory, reflecting on how time distorts our perception."

• The student explains the connection between the artworks and how they support the overarching theme of memory. There is some evidence of careful planning in the choice of media and techniques, and the explanation effectively ties the conceptual elements together. However, there is room for more depth in connecting the artworks to a broader context.

Level 7 (Exceptional Communication)

"My exhibition, ‘Illusions of Reality,’ examines the tension between appearance and reality in contemporary society. The selected works explore how we construct and distort reality through media, personal experiences, and memory. I combined digital photography, oil painting, and mixed media to challenge the viewer’s perception of what is real. My digital photography series manipulates images of everyday objects, turning them into abstract compositions that question the boundaries between reality and illusion. The oil paintings use chiaroscuro techniques to evoke a sense of mystery and invite deeper contemplation of the human form. Throughout the exhibition, I used symbolism and color to connect each piece. The consistent use of dark tones A. Skiand fragmented imagery emphasizes themes of ambiguity and deception. The juxtaposition of highly detailed and abstract elements reflects the duality of truth and fiction. The exhibition invites viewers to question how they perceive and understand the world around them."

• This is a clear and thoughtful curatorial rationale that provides a strong sense of the conceptual thread linking the works together. The student communicates artistic intentions effectively, while also demonstrating insight into how materials, techniques, and imagery are used to support these ideas. The curatorial approach shows a high level of sophistication and reflection.