Visual analysis 2
Visit one of the virtual museum tours posted on Blackboard, and choose one work in the virtual exhibition that interests you. Imagine that you are describing your selected artwork to a friend. Carefully observe the selected work and write a visual analysis on your selected artwork.
Your visual analysis should be two pages long, double spaced. Attach your essay to this page.
The following should be included in your visual analysis:
Title of work, artist name, media, approximate size and date (if known).
A detailed description of the work’s form with regard to at least two art elements. Consider the work’s use of line, color, shape, texture, light, value, etc. Please refer to the introduction of your text book for a description of the elements of art.
A detailed description of the work’s composition with regard to at least two principles of design. Consider how the work achieves unity or variety, balance, rhythm, etc. A complete list of the principles of design can be found in the introduction of your text book.
A discussion of the work’s representation in regard to its degree of naturalism, stylization or abstraction.
A thoughtful examination of the work’s content. Consider: what is represented in the work? If the work contains figural or other representation, how is the figure represented? Does the figure represent cultural ideals of beauty discussed in class? What kind of political or social issues would you say the work reflects, if any? If the work is not representational, what does the image evoke?
This is a visual analysis, not a research paper. As such, it must include your own observations and ideas, written in your own words. Also remember that your observations must be organized in the form of an essay, with an introduction, body of text, and a conclusion. Do not write a ‘laundry list’ of your observations. You know you have done a good job describing the work if you think the reader will be able to visualize it from your description alone.
