C. Cultural SIGNIFICANCE
6 marks
What is the assessment criteria looking for?
an informed understanding of the cultural significance of the selected artworks, objects and artifacts within the specific context in which they were created.
At the highest level of achievement, the work demonstrates consistently informed and appropriate evaluation of the material, conceptual and cultural significance of the selected pieces within the specific context in which they were created.
This is an opportunity to consider the historical, political, social, aesthetic and intellectual contexts from which art can evolve and to which it can contribute.
What does that mean?
"Context is from Latin contextus, from con- 'together' + texere 'to weave'
The context is the circumstances that surround an event or an idea and helps it to be understood."
Fine Art is not created in a vacuum. It is a representation of artists' interaction with the world. What is happening in the world impacts what they produce, what it looks like, what it says. Below (1) you can see a timeline that demonstrates connections between the art movements and the rest of the world. There is a suggestion that popular culture, science, politics etc reflect the work that the artists produce. Have a look and see if you can find connections.
(2) is another timeline that shows the connections between movements. There are elements of the artwork that are connected, as something important, like reductive use of line, or the introduction of spray paint) can lead to new possibilities of expression. For more information on this time line click here
(3) is a infographic by that shows how the movements fit together in chronologically and key players within each movement.
Check this site for an Art History Timeline (for dummies)
Check out this powerpoint to see different art movements over time
For more timelines.
Questions could include...
You need to make connections between WHAT we can see and WHY
When doing your research you need to find things that are important and relevant, not everything will be. It is your job to make these connections and find research that is relevant and valuable.
.... so .....
What is happening in the artist's world?
Financial circumstances (personal & local)
Love?
Fame?
Children?
Where are they living?
Is this where they were born?
How old are they?
Is this piece early or late in their career?
How did they feel about the world that they were living in?
What is their relationship to the subject?
Can you find a quote from the artist about this or other work?
What movement is the artist a part of?
What is important in the movement?
What does this movements' work tend to look like?
What ideas underpin the movement?
How does the situation the artist found themselves in affect what they are making art about?
How did the art critics and audience respond to the artwork at the time? End with summary of significance of this artwork. else is in this movement?
What was before this movement?
What was after this movement?
What is happening in the wider world?
Had there been a war?
Is there political unrest?
Is there political success?
issues and events?
What are the important the socio-economic factors to them?
What about a quote from an art critic or art curator?
How can I do that?
Use Graphic Organisers to show the connections between what is "on the canvas" and what is outside of it. Question How did the wider world, and the artist's experience impact the work that was produced?
I like these timelines to understand how the artwork works in the wider context.
Ask the artist
There are some great videos on youtube.
https://www.pinterest.co.kr/MSJESSMURPHY/comparative-study-help/artists-talking-about-their-art/
This video shows how the concept of beauty has changed a lot of time, it is not static. Where do those ideas come from? Where are the images from?
EXAMINER SAID
"This was among the weakest areas for most candidates. Some referred to art movements in a generic way without highlighting their significance to the artwork. Only the best candidates were able to make convincing links between the evidence in the selected artworks and a wider context. It is important to understand what an evaluation of cultural significance is. Cultural significance will probably include an art historical context, as well as the cultural, socio-political and historical significance of the works. It should consider the original audience and purpose, as well as a contemporary audience. The cultural significance of the artwork is the subject of the comparative study, not the life and times of the artist. There are instances when aspects of the artist’s life are significant to the production of the artwork, hence biographical events can be relevant to the selected artworks, but this does have to be evident through explicit connections in the text. Some candidates were over reliant on aids such as the Mc Fee conceptual framework without understanding how to make meaningful links to the artworks. Juxtaposing facts is not an evaluation."
What could it look like?
