Art Exam Prep

POSTMODERN DEFINTION:
Postmodernism in art is a multifaceted movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, rejecting the
linear narratives and rigid structures of modernism. Characterized by eclecticism and a self-conscious
acknowledgment of its own artifice, postmodern art often blends diverse styles, historical references, and
cultural contexts. It challenges the notions of originality and authenticity while embracing irony, pastiche,
and a critical examination of established norms, encouraging viewers to question the nature of art and
its relationship to society.

Movement Artists Artworks Date

Pop Art: Andy Warhol Portrait of Maurice - 1976 Mid 1950s

Pop art is an art movement that Richard Hamilton (AW) - Late
emerged in the mid-20th century, Claes Oldenburg Glass & Lemon in a mirror - 1960s
characterized by its incorporation of Roy Lichtenstein 1974 (RL)
popular culture imagery and In the car - 1963 (RL)
consumer products, often in a bold
and vibrant style, to comment on
mass media, consumerism, and the
nature of artistic expression itself. It
blurred the lines between high art
and everyday life, challenging
traditional notions of artistic subject
matter and techniques.

Conceptual Art: Joseph Kosuth Fountain - 1917 (MD) 1960s -

Conceptual art is a contemporary Peter Tyndall 1980s
artistic movement characterized by Marcel Duchamp
prioritizing ideas and concepts over
traditional aesthetic and material
qualities, often focusing on
conveying intellectual or
philosophical messages through
minimalistic or unconventional
artistic forms. It challenges the
conventional notion of art as an
object, emphasizing the significance
of the underlying concepts and
thought processes.

Earth Environmental Art: Andy Goldsworthy Spiral Jetty - 1970 (RS) 1960s -
Earth art, also known as Robert Smithson Storm King Wall - 1989 (AG) Late 1970s
environmental art or land art, refers
to a genre of artistic expression that
integrates natural elements and
landscapes into the creation of
artworks, often emphasizing
ecological themes and the
relationship between human
interventions and the environment.
It seeks to engage viewers with the
Earth's inherent beauty and provoke
contemplation about humanity's
impact on the planet

Performance Art: Gilbert and George The Singing Sculpture - 1973 1970s -
Performance art is a genre of artistic Joseph Beuys (GG) Mid 19
expression in which artists use their Mike Parr How to explain pictures to a 80s
bodies, actions, and interactions Linda Sproul dead hare - 1965 (JB)
with the audience as the medium, Yves Klein Cathartic action: social
blurring the boundaries between art ORLAN gestures No.5 - 1977 (O)
and everyday life. It often involves Listen - 1993 - (LS)
live presentations that challenge Leap into a void - 1960 (YK)
traditional artistic forms and engage
with social, political, or conceptual
themes.

Abstract Expression: Jackson Pollock Number 1 (Lavender Mist) - 1950s -

Abstract Expressionism is an art 1950 (JP) 1960s
movement that emerged in the
mid-20th century, characterized by
spontaneous and
non-representational creations that
emphasize the artist's emotions,
gestures, and subconscious
exploration. It often involves
large-scale canvases filled with
dynamic brushwork, bold colours,
and an emphasis on the act of
painting itself.

Neo Expression: Jean-Micheal Untitled - 1982 (JMB) Late 1970s

Neo-Expressionism is an art Basquait Lilith - N/A (AK) - Late
movement that emerged in the late Anslem Keifer The student or Prague - 1983 1980s
20th century, characterized by a Julian Schnabel (JS)
revival of emotionally charged and
gestural painting techniques
reminiscent of earlier Expressionist
movements, often emphasizing
intense colours and bold, distorted
forms. It sought to convey raw
emotion and a rejection of artistic
abstraction, reasserting the
importance of subjective experience
and human presence in art.
3 Circles:

Frames
1. The Structural Frame: This focuses on the formal elements of the artwork - its composition, visual
elements, and how they interact. When analyzing this frame, you should discuss things like lines,
shapes, colours, balance, and symmetry, and how these elements contribute to the overall
structure of the artwork.
What to write: Describe the visual elements present in the artwork and how they are organized.
Discuss the use of lines, shapes, colours, and any patterns you observe. Consider how these
elements create a sense of visual harmony or tension.
Questions:
Communication, a system of signs
Describe the visual language of line, shape, colour, texture, tone, focal point, visual devices
lighting, composition, and 3D space.
What style, period, or art movement?
What materials and processes are used?
What other use do found objects have?
What symbolic value does the above convey?
Why were these symbols, and signs selected?
What are the relationships between the symbols, and signs?
What formal conventions are shown e.g. perspective, tonal modelling?
What cultural conventions are shown e.g. landscape, nude?
How do all of these explain the world at the time and now?

2. The Cultural Frame: This frame considers the cultural, historical, and social context in which the
artwork was created. It looks at how the artwork reflects the values, beliefs, and practices of the
society in which it was made.
What to write: Research and discuss the historical period when the artwork was created. Explore
the cultural influences that might have impacted the artist's choices. Analyze how the artwork
relates to societal norms, events, or ideologies of its time.
Questions:
Cultural and social meanings
What cultural group, race, place, or identity is represented?
What ideology is revealed in ideas, concepts, manifestos, and shared beliefs?
What social class, or gender?
What political stance (dissent or support, propaganda or protest)?
What beliefs- secular or spiritual?
What significant events?
What meanings?
What signs and symbols reveal this
information?
How do these cultural and social meanings affect the art practices of this artist?
3. The Postmodern Frame: This frame delves into the idea that art is a construction of meaning and
that multiple interpretations are possible. It challenges traditional notions of art and encourages
viewers to question their assumptions and consider the diversity of viewpoints.
What to write: Explore the multiple possible interpretations of the artwork. Discuss how the
artwork challenges traditional artistic conventions and invites viewers to engage with it in
unconventional ways. Consider how the artwork blurs boundaries between different forms or
genres.
Questions:
Ideas that challenge the mainstream
Is it mainstream or is it outside the
mainstream?
What is appropriated, quoted from another source?
Explain the source and what meaning is added.
Does this produce humour, irony, parody, wit, playfulness?
What is omitted or disregarded?
What is re-configured and reinterpreted? What is challenged in social and cultural values,
beliefs spiritual/secular, and power authorities? What is challenged in art practices–
classifications, conventions, art
movements/styles?
What is challenged about art history, the masterpiece, art for art’s sake, and the role of art?

4. The Subjective Frame: This frame focuses on the emotional and personal responses of the viewer.
It acknowledges that everyone brings their own experiences and perspectives to the
interpretation of an artwork.
What to write: Describe your personal emotional response to the artwork. Explain how your own
background, experiences, and feelings influence your interpretation. Discuss the feelings or
thoughts the artwork evokes in you and how these contribute to your understanding of it.
Questions
Personal psychological experience
What is my first impression?
What do I see, and hear?
What is the emotional impact?
What do I feel, recall, remember?
What am I reminded of?
What intuition or imaginings do I have about the artwork?
Do I like it?
What has it got to do with me or my experiences?
What emotions does the artist want to express?
Why did he (or I) make it?
What is it about?
Artmaking
1. Material resolution:
"Material resolution" in art refers to the clarity, detail, and quality achieved when working with
artistic materials. It pertains to the level of refinement and precision an artist attains while
manipulating their chosen mediums, such as paint, sculpture materials, or digital tools. A higher
material resolution implies intricate attention to textures, forms, and overall execution, often
resulting in a more polished and lifelike representation. This concept is crucial in various art
forms, as it influences the visual impact and emotional resonance of the artwork.

2. Conceptual strength:
Conceptual strength in art refers to the depth, clarity, and potency of the underlying ideas,
concepts, or themes within a work of art. It's about the intellectual and emotional impact that an
artwork's concept or message has on the viewer. Art with strong conceptual strength effectively
communicates its intended meaning, provokes thought, and elicits a powerful response, often
transcending mere visual aesthetics to engage with more profound philosophical, social, or
cultural considerations.

Conceptual Framework
1. Artist
Definition of the artist: the creator of the artwork.
Artist's intention:
Authorial intent: How the artist's original intentions might align with or differ from the
audience's interpretations.
Creative process: How the artist's decisions in creating the artwork impact its reception.
Artist's perspective and agency:
Artistic voice: How the artist's unique style and vision shape the artwork.
Socio-political influences: How the artist's personal beliefs and societal context influence their
work.
Response to audience: How the artist may respond to or anticipate audience reactions.

2. Audience
Definition of the audience: the individuals or groups experiencing the artwork.
Exploration of the role of the audience:
Perception and interpretation: How different audiences perceive and interpret the same artwork
differently.
Engagement: How audiences emotionally or intellectually engage with the artwork.
Influence: How the audience's background, culture, and experiences shape their understanding
of the artwork.
Discussion of the concept of the "viewer's gaze" and how it impacts the interaction with the
artwork.

3. World
A. Physical Environment
1. Natural surroundings
 2. Urban or rural landscapes
B. Historical and Temporal Context
1. Time period of creation
2. Historical events influencing the artist and society
C. Social and Political Climate
1. Political movements and ideologies
2. Social issues and activism
D. Cultural and Artistic Influences
1. Art movements and styles
2. Cultural exchange and cross-pollination

Section 1
1 Examine Plates 1, 2 and 3. Explain how Plate 1 and 2 could be said to characterise the Postmodern. Refer
to Plate 3 to support your response. /5

2 Using Plates 4 and 5, explain the role of the artists of these works. /8

3 Discuss the Artist’s practice with reference to Plates 6 - 8 and the accompanying extract of text. In your
answer consider such issues as his/her intentions, choices and actions within the context of his/her
world. /12

Section 2
Section 2
45min
6 questions which you choose 1 to answer
testing your "Artworld knowledge"
Use your essay from the beginning of the year, polish it up, and be sure to have Artists and examples of
work (titles) I would be using 2 to 3 at this stage of the game.

ESSAY STRUCTURE
Intro

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Conclusion