Week 5: Finding Meaning - writing & creating art

Purpose

You will complete one of the writing prompts below and also create art based on the "creating art" prompt. Through writing about and creating art based on the prompts, you will: 

• Demonstrate your understanding of the information in this module by using the concepts and definitions correctly. 
• Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing, conceptualizing, synthesizing, and communicating the concepts in this module through both writing and creating art.

Task

You are to complete ONE of the writing prompts AND the Creating Art prompt.

Prompt 1 - Writing

1. Choose one of the writing promts.
2. Answer all of the questions under the prompt you choose.
3. Meet the writing specifications:
   
   • 1.5 line spacing
   • 12 point font

Writing Prompt #1: Style, Form & Context
Style really matters because each style in art is linked to different philosophical ideas about the world, humanity, the artist, and the meaning of imagery. Using the links below you will see a wide range of art from many cultures. Look for works that seem to you to exhibit the following ideas, and state why you think that work shows that idea.

Include the image of each artwork that you are discussing (5 images total):

1. A work of art that is a representation of a human but not a specific or recognizable person.
2. A work of art that is about a specific time or place.
3. A work of art that is an image of a god, ruler or king or queen.
4. A work of art that is about the artist and their view of the world.
5. A work of art that is not a picture of things in the world.

Here are two good links to get you started:

• Timeline of Art History Links to an external site.
• Styles and Movements in Art History Links to an external site.

Writing Prompt #2: Everyone's a Critic!

Using resources from the External Links page, select an artwork and interpret its meaning in the context of one of the six critical perspectives we studied in this module. Work to uncover the meaning in the image you choose, then explain how your particular critical perspective supports your interpretation. Include an image of the artwork you are discussing in your document.

As a reminder, the critical perspectives we studied in this module are listed below.

• Structural
• Feminist
• Ideological
• Deconstructive
• Formalist
• Psychoanalytic

This assignment will take some focus and structure. Review the major ideas behind your critical perspective first; then search for an image that you think fits the critical test. From there you can begin your explanations.

Prompt 2 - Creating Art 

1. Meet the specifications under the Creating Art Prompt
2. Create a piece of art based on your personal iconography
3. Written list that explains your personal iconography

Creating Art Prompt: Personal Iconography - Your Story in a Picture!

As you read in the module, iconography can reveal a complex story of beliefs, politics, how one lives, how one should live, history, dreams, practical information, and many many more ideas all beautifully composed in an artwork. There is more to a pretty picture than what is seen at first glance!

1. Take some time to think about your own personal iconography and the story you want to tell right now.
   •  Write a list of at least 10 symbolic objects that are your personal iconography and explain what each one symbolizes in a couple of sentences.
2. Using 5 or more of your symbolic icons and create a beautiful artwork! 

Creating Artwork Reminder: To create a piece of art you will have to do multiple iterations before you create something you are proud of, give yourself time to experiment! Use the materials you have around your home that you can make marks with: pencils, pens, lipstick, sewing thread (you can sew paper), rip newspapers to collage, use coffee to tint and stain paper or cloth, melt wax, use masking tape as a collage element. What else can you find around your home to make marks with and create shapes with?

Criteria

You will receive all 50 points by meeting the specifications and the deadline.

• 20 points for the Written prompt
• 30 points for the Creating Art prompt, including written list of your 10 icons.