Location
Simply put location can refer to the location where the art is seen, it may have been chosen specifically for this site as a response to the surroundings or it may just currently be displayed in a location temporarily. In Louise Bourgeois Maman, the location changes depending on the gallery currently displaying it. This then changes how you would discuss it in terms of location.
Setting
Setting refers to where an art work is set, for instance a landscape set in the Scottish Highlands.
All Art work is set somewhere, even if it is not obvious for instance, still lives can be set in a house, on a table or surface. In the case of Frida Kahlo's work, often a nondescript setting which resembles the desert is chosen. This shows inspiration from her home land of Mexico.
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
When answering a question it's good practice to have structure for each point you make.
What - Name the visual element/expressive effect or specific thing you wish to discuss
Where - Describe exactly where in the Artwork it is
Why - Analyse what the impact of the element used has on the overall visual impact or mood and atmosphere of the piece.
Key - What - Blue, Where - Red, Why - Purple
The Gardener (2016) by Fintan Magee
Acrylic paint on concrete, Ragusa Italy
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
Merlin (2016) by Andrew McIntosh
oil paint on linen (150 x 110 cm)
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.