Criteria Reflection

• Demonstration of subject-based
knowledge and understanding –
Broad and comparative
understanding of subject content;
knowledge of the appropriate
historical, intellectual, cultural or
institutional contexts.
Thus far I believe that I have kept my research quite broad. The guide and exercises have
also been great at expanding my knowledge of Western art. Providing us with specific points
to investigate is a great way of creating context and meaning. I have used these points
effectively to explore the artists and pieces from the guide as well as doing extensive
research when completing my assignment. I have included a wide variety of artists, not only
focussing on Western art, but also discussing the work of Asian artists. It is important to
consider influence and to appreciate the variety of skills, techniques and opinions about art.
I found the work of Yasumasa Morimura particularly interesting. I have also tried to choose
artists from different times. Including some of the Masters in the Renaissance to
contemporary artist who are influential today. I also included a local artist in Hong Kong to
help me engage with the artistic culture here.

• Demonstration of research skills
– Information retrieval and
organisation, use of IT to assist
research, ability to evaluate IT
sources; the ability to design and
carry out a research project and
locate and evaluate evidence from
a wide range of primary and
secondary sources (visual, oral,
aural or textual).
Much of my research is based around the internet. I do make a point of searching for books
that are available online and by also watching videos or documentaries where applicable. As
I have completed two previous research courses, I have become more familiar with which
websites provide reliable and useful information. These day many art students keep blogs
and write essays, and the good ones keep a list of resources which is particularly useful to
finding new reliable sources. It also introduces me to books and artists that I may not have
considered before. The WHA textbook that came with the course is also filled with a great
variety of art and is quite useful in creating a context for the artist and their work, including
their place in the timeline of Art. Though the information in the textbook is limiting, so
additional research is required. I believe that my bibliographies attached to each of my
assignments shows that I have been diligent in collecting information and that I have
incorporated a wide variety of sources.

• Demonstration of critical and
evaluation skills – Engagement
with concepts, values and
debates; evidence of analysis,
reflection, critical thinking,
synthesis and interpretation in
relation to relevant issues and
enquiries.
Whenever I am looking at an artist or artwork I always make a point of looking at several
sites that evaluate their work or shows. I find it interesting how critics and students have
different opinions and thoughts about pieces, but also reassuring when many have similar
interpretations. In the exercises and assignments I have included different sources to show
that I am reading a variety of opinions in order to form my own conclusions. I try not to be
overly influenced by what others have concluded before and find opportunities to also add
in my own interpretations and ideas.

• Communication – The ability to
communicate ideas and
knowledge in written form and to
support them with relevant visual
material in ways that are clearly
presented.
As this is the first assignment, it is hard to gauge whether I have done all that is needed. I’m
sure after feedback that I will have a greater idea of expectations. That said, I think that I
have met this criteria according to my interpretation of what is expected. I have engaged
well with all of the exercises in my learning log, including information, quotes, images and
links to additional reading. I have also shown an interest in certain pieces or ideas by
exploring them in my sketchbook. I feel these pieces are even more than is expected, as they
are not only simple sketches, but complete art pieces that required hours of planning and
execution. I have engaged with ideas and thought about how to interpret them with my own
artistic ideas.

Reflection after tutor feedback:

The tutor acknowledged that I am quite capable of describing the words and using relevant terminology. However, she would like
me to focus more on the analysis or impact of the works. I did feel like discussed these elements, but probably need more depth or
additional perspectives. It can be difficult to know what to include, if you have a word limit. She commented on using a variety of
sources, not only online. This may prove tricky in the Hong Kong Libraries, but I will see what is available. I may need some
clarification from my tutor on how to properly understand the prescribed headings, as she mentioned that I placed some
information in the wrong sections. As for my Annotations, she remarked that it would have been better to compare works from
different artists, however, as this was a local artist whom was relatively unknown, I thought trying to interpret and analyze her work
would be a grater challenge, as I would not be able to rely on other’s ideas. That being said, using a pieces that I am able to research
better, may allow me to give better insights.