LOOKING AT ART OBJECTS

In this session we will explore ways of looking at art objects. When confronted with a work of art it is easy to say whether you like it or not, but is this response enough? As a person learning about the world of visual communication you must learn to respond to art objects in a more meaningful way. Below is a diagram. The art object in question is a painting but it could be a photograph, sculpture, African mask, or The Pyramids. Other, more appropriate, questions may need to be asked depending on the work on view.
What is it? (painting, sculpture, photograph, building, a piece of design) Where is it? (country, museum, private collection, public place) What is going on in it? (Narrative) How is it organized? (shape, size, colours, lines, balance, descriptions) Is it effective? (Communicate, do its job, capture your attention, make you think)

How did it come to be here? (traded, stolen, controversial)

When/Where was it made? (Value, age, pinpoint history

For whom was it made? (sentimental value, cultural value, personal value, artistic value) What condition is it in? (Value, meaning)

What does it mean? (to us, the viewers) What did people think of it? (to past viewers, maker) What is it made of? (Permanence, meaning, value, materials) Is it the only one of its kind? (value, reproduction, series, context)
Richard Hamilton The Citizen 1981-83

How is it presented? (Where, meaning) How much does it cost? (Price varies after time)

Points To Consider When Judging Art If a work is drawn in a childlike or unrealistic way, remember that the artist can draw in a realistic way. Our emotions may not be the same as the artists. Try replacing this artwork with a different piece of art, craft or design and asking the same set of questions.