Assignment 2.3
In this formal paper, practice the different methods of analyzing and interpreting a work of art you learned about in this last unit.
Make sure your paper contains an introduction with a unifying thesis statement (including both parts of the assignment) and a conclusion. Assignments need to be in MLA or any other appropriate citation format with proper grammar, headings, a Works Cited page and in text citations. All assignments are written to the uninformed reader. The use of “I” should be restricted to personal experiences. Write this in a professional, academic tone demonstrating your knowledge.
From the Blackboard Art Gallery, select one of the following artworks: Jan van Eyck’s Portrait, Picasso’s Demoiselles d’Avignon or Jackson Pollock’s Mural.
Part I: Formal Analysis
Formal analysis considers the artist’s use of the formal elements and principles of design, as well as the media and techniques, of art. Provide an overall description of the artwork of your selected artwork for the uninformed reader and incorporate in your analysis the answers to the following questions. In order to use field-specific terminology correctly, you need to have completed the course material for this module.
- What mode of representation does this artist use?
- What types of line does the artist use?
- What type of color and space are employed?
- What is the overall composition of the work? (Including patterns or focal points)
- Which medium/media does the artist use?
Part II: Additional Analysis
Other modes of analysis (iconographic, biographical, feminist, contextual, or psychological) help viewers to develop a more complete interpretation of a work of art. Select one of these additional modes of analysis, explain and define it, and apply it to your selected artwork. This will require additional research so check the textbook and especially the art gallery for information and incorporate answers to the following questions into your analytic essay.
- What is the meaning of the artwork? What message was the artist trying to get across?
- Why did you select that particular mode of analysis?
- What did you learn from the additional analysis that you did not know from doing the formal analysis?
