Section 2

Choose one of the following questions below to construct a formal essay using your information on Manet;

In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:

■ present a well-reasoned and informed point of view

■ apply your understandings of the different aspects of content as appropriate (Practice, Conceptual Framework, and the Frames)

■ use relevant examples (this includes quotes)

1. ‘New art has to compete with the past and the real world, so it must challenge and shock to engage its audience.’

Discuss the truth of this statement using artists you have studied in class.

2. Consider the following view:

‘Artists often say what would otherwise remain unsaid.’

Discuss this view, using examples of artists whose functional role is to challenge mainstream values.

3. ‘Artists deliberately set out to provoke audience reactions.’

Argue a case both for and against this statement.

4. Evaluate the significance of particular images, symbols or themes that are used throughout an artist’s practice.

More Practice Questions;

1. With reference to particular examples, explain how artworks can inform us about our world.
2. Examine the ways that individual artists represent issues and theories in their artworks.
3. Some artists explore personal experience as subject matter in their artmaking. Discuss this statement with reference to specific artists and artworks.
4. Art can be used by some cultures to express political views. Examine this statement with reference to a range of artworks.
5. Postmodern artists use irony and parody to explore aspects of contemporary art. Investigate this statement.
6. ‘Art critics challenge and provoke artists and audiences about matters of interpretation and judgement.’ Discuss this statement.
7. Select a group of artists who sought to interpret the world in new ways. Explain their theories of art in relation to how they have interpreted the world in their artmaking.
8. ‘Artists are often thought of as great masters.’ Do you agree or disagree with this interpretation? Give reasons to support your argument.
9. ‘Artworks use a visual language of signs and symbols that can be read.’ Do you agree with this view? Give reasons for your answer. Refer to particular artists, artworks and how audiences can respond.
10. How can the visual arts challenge cultural traditions?
11. Analyse a range of artworks as representations of the ideas of the artists.
12. Contemporary artists explore both concepts and materials. Evaluate this statement with reference to particular artists and artworks.
13. Postmodern artists challenge assumptions about art. Discuss this statement with reference to particular artists and artworks.
14. The visual language of an artwork is a system of communication. Analyse this statement making reference to particular examples.
15. How do artists express an individual point of view in artmaking? Explore this question with reference to a range of artists.
16. The role of the artist is to make extraordinary things with ordinary materials. Discuss the role of a range of artists.
17. Artworks have always been capable of documenting great human events. Evaluate this statement in relation to specific works.
18. Explain how artists can involve audiences in their artworks. Refer to specific examples in your response.
19. Artists use signs, symbols and visual codes to communicate ideas. Discuss this statement with reference to a range of artists and their works.
20. The culture of artists, designers or architects is always reflected in their work. Evaluate this statement with reference to particular artists, designers or architects.
21. Evaluate how artmaking practice is affected by culture.
22. Artists respond to changes in the world. Explain this statement with reference to the influence upon specific artists.
23. Issues of personal and/or cultural identity impact on an artist’s practice. Analyse this statement with reference to specific artists and their work.
24. Materials, symbols and visual codes are used to encode meaning in artworks for an audience. Discuss this statement referring to a range of artists.
25. Dreams, memories and the imagination play a part in artmaking. Analyse this statement with reference to particular examples.
26. Art has often informed society rather than reflected it. Examine this statement with reference to particular examples.