In the Higher Art Exam you can discuss the following in relation to location:

• Location used in site-specific art, mural, sculpture - Where is it set, whats around it

• choice of location - Why this location

• nature of location - What are the qualities/properties of the location

• symbolism of location - Is it meaningful for any reason?

• how the artwork integrates or contrasts with the surroundings

The artist has created a large garden themed artwork which is located within an urban environment. This contrasts with city living where garden space is limited, this may be a social commentary on city living.

The artist has created the artwork specifically for this location which is on the side of a block of flats, this means it can be easily viewed by people who live in the area for quite a distance, this adds decoration to an otherwise gray urban location.

The artist has painted this piece close to other plant life, it is situated above trees thus from a distance the image could be seen to grow up out of its location, this gives the appearance of a giant tending all of the plants.

The artist has painted the mural to integrate further with the surroundings by placing the blue behind the head of the man near the top of the building, this merges into the sky, complementing the environment and further adding to the feeling of the man as a giant.

In the Higher Art Exam you can discuss the following in relation to Setting:

• used to create a background in an artwork

• choice of setting

• nature of setting

• scenery

• symbolism

The artist has painted cold, foggy weather and a stone ruin which suggests a Highland setting due to the bleak weather, which Scotland is known for and bothy style cottage which is often found in highland areas.

The landscape which can be seen through the caravan creates a contrasting setting due to the subject matter of a tranquil sea and warm sunset. This is reinforced through the warm colour palette of oranges and browns giving the caravan the symbolism of a getaway.

The artist has placed the caravan next to a deserted setting, which can be seen as the derelict, roofless cottage looks to be uninhabited, perhaps the occupant of the caravan is sheltering there due to the state of their house. 

The  artist has created the setting within the caravan to appear almost magical, promising an escape to a different place and time which relates well to the title of Merlin, this gives connotations of magic and transportation.