Overview
THE BASICS: You will write an essay that compares and contrasts two artworks/artifacts based on the elements and principles of design as well as context. How are the artworks similar? How are they different? In the process, we will uncover the connections between two different examples from two different times and places. A.I. and/or ChatGPT is not allowed for this assignment and will result in a conversation with the instructor about academic honesty.
You will choose one of the possible pairs included in the list below (or create your own pair in consultation with the instructor):
OPTION 1:
- Pablo Picasso, Portrait of Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, oil on canvas, 1910
- Frida Kahlo, Self Portrait with Monkey, oil on canvas, 1938
OPTION 2:
- Matisse, Dance I, oil on canvas, 1909
- Kay Walkingstick, Me and my Neon Box, acrylic on canvas, 1971
OPTION 3:
- Constantin Brancusi, Bird in Space, bronze, limestone, wood, 1920
- Jackie Windsor, #1 Rope, wood and hemp, 1976
Organize Your Paper into Paragraphs as Outlined Below:
PARAGRAPH 1: Introduction
In a few sentences, introduce the two artworks that you will be comparing and contrasting, and give the reader an idea of what we can learn through this comparison.
Identification: What is the title, artist's name, date, and medium of each artwork?
What we can learn: Will we be able to learn more about why and how two artists, in two different times and places, focused on the same subject matter? Will we learn more about the ways that abstract art has changed over time? Will we get a better understanding of how power is expressed in art? This section is primarily a few sentences to introduce the artworks and give the reader a sense of why you are comparing them.
PARAGRAPH 2: Similarities and Differences (Elements of Design)
This is the start to your analysis. In the next few paragraphs, you will analyze the similarities and differences between the two artworks based on a number of points, starting with the elements of design. How does each artist use and incorporate line? What colors did they use? Does one have geometric shapes while the other has organic shapes? How did they construct a sense of space? Consider how the elements of design might impact the artwork’s meaning. Focus on elements that are most relevant – if there’s no implied or actual sound, no need to mention it! A.I. and/or ChatGPT is not allowed for this assignment and will result in a conversation with the instructor about academic honesty.
Elements of Design:
- Line (straight, curved, angular, flowing, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, contour, thick, thin, implied etc.)
- Mass and Volume, Texture (actual or implied)
- Shape (what shapes are created and how)
- Light and Value (what is the source of the light? is there high or low contrast? Are there visible highlights or shadows?)
- Color (primary, secondary, complimentary, warm, cool, monochromatic, tints/tones/shades)
- Space (foreground, middle ground, background, different kinds of perspective used)
- Time and Motion (actual or implied)
- Words and Sounds
PARAGRAPH 3: Similarities and Differences (Principles of Design)
Next, you’ll want to analyze the similarities and differences in terms of the principles of design. Is one symmetrical, while the other is asymmetrical? Do they both incorporate repetition in some way? Is size/scale a major factor in these artworks? Consider how the principles of design might impact the artwork’s meaning. Again, only discuss the principles that are most relevant. Again, A.I. and/or ChatGPT is not allowed for this assignment and will result in a conversation with the instructor about academic honesty.
Principles of Design:
- Directional Force
- Size/Scale
- Proportion
- Balance
- Contrast
- Repetition
- Unity and Variety
- Emphasis and Subordination
PARAGRAPH 4: Context
Finally, discuss the different types of context. How do the different viewing contexts impact the artwork? Is one artwork meant to be viewed outside, but the other is inside? If it’s inside, is it in an art museum or some other site? Again, only discuss the types of context that are most relevant and consider how the context might impact the artwork’s meaning. You may consult the Khan Academy reading/video to better understand the context but remember to identify any direct quotes or paraphrased material properly to give proper credit. You should not conduct any additional research. A.I. and/or ChatGPT is not allowed for this assignment and will result in a conversation with the instructor about academic honesty.
Types of Context:
- Viewing Context
- Internal Context
- Biographical Context
- Social and Historical Context
- Art Historical Context
PARAGRAPH 5: Opinions and Conclusions
This is the part of the paper where you bring it all together and go beyond description to offer a conclusion and your own informed opinion about these two artworks. Discuss how and why the key elements and principles of design, combined with the context, were used by the artists to help create meaning. Any statements you make about the work should be based on the analysis in Paragraphs 2-4 above. Think back to your introduction – what, exactly, did this comparison reveal? What did we learn? Remember, A.I. and/or ChatGPT is not allowed for this assignment and will result in a conversation with the instructor about academic honesty.
PARAGRAPH 6: Sources
This paper does not require any additional research beyond the readings and powerpoints provided in class, but sometimes our curiosity gets the best of us and we decide to dig a little deeper!
In the final paragraph name/describe any sources you consulted while writing, including the sources provided in the links. Be specific -- ("I consulted the Khan Academy video about the artwork in the link provided") - and do not just copy and paste the web links. If you used other websites, list those here as well. If you did not consult any sources, make sure to note that. (Keep in mind that A.I./ChatGPT are not allowed in this class -- see academic honesty policy below for more information)