De Anza College /Fall '09
Most students write about 4+
pages: typed, normal margins and font size.
(Typical paper runs approx.
250 words/page; 4 pages = approximately 1000 words)
No report covers please. (A
big waste of our precious natural resources.) Just staple in upper left.
Your name on first page in
upper right corner. Underline last name.
Proofread carefully
for spelling and grammatical errors.
Objective:
Your objective is to analyze
and interpret a work of contemporary or modern art (created after
1900). You must write about a work
currently on exhibit in one of the approved exhibits. You cannot write an acceptable paper based on memory
or research or looking at images on a website. Your paper is based on your own
perceptions and experiences of the work. This paper is a document of your
thoughtful and studied response to a work of art. No one can read the artist's
mind. I want to know what is on your mind. Do not write a paper
describing the work. Do not write a paper summarizing what others have
said. In fact, research is not required to write an outstanding paper.
However, if you wish to do additional reading, be sure you understand and
consider the difference between the comments and/or criticism made by the
artist, and those made by a third party.
Grade:
Your paper will be graded on
thoughtful content, originality, and the clear communication of your own ideas
and feelings in response to the work. Excessive errors of grammar and spelling
may result in a point penalty. I hope you will enjoy this project even as you
learn from it. NO CREDIT FOR PAPERS WRITTEN ABOUT ART THAT IS NOT CURRENTLY
ON EXHIBIT IN ONE OF APPROVED EXHIBITS.
Approved exhibits &
Assignment in more detail:
You may select any work
of contemporary or modern art (created after 1900) from the exhibits at San
Jose Museum of Art, in downtown San Jose, or Cantor Center for the Arts on
Stanford campus in Palo Alto.
Carefully examine and consider the work you have chosen. This is an exercise in
careful observation and reflection. It is essential that you demonstrate that
you have examined the work thoughtfully and show evidence of original thinking
in your response. The introduction to your paper should identify the
work you have chosen by title, artist, media, date, title of exhibit, and name
of museum. The body of your paper should address the items below in a
clear and organized manner. The list below is not intended as an outline for
your paper, nor should you feel restricted to only these ideas. Your own unique
style and response to the art will determine the best way to organize your
paper. Your conclusion should summarize your personal estimation of the
effectiveness of the work. How successfully did the artist achieve her/his
objective? What was the nature of your experience with the work after giving it
long and serious consideration? Note the points associated with questions on
the back of this page. Some are heavily weighted because they are more
important and require more thought.
Always Cite Sources. Never
Plagiarize.
If you paraphrase or quote
any other opinions, whether verbal, written, electronic or other media, you must
document your source. Sources cited could include museum literature or
museum signs, commentary by museum docents or tour guides, electronic, printed
or radio reviewers. If you paraphrase someone elseÕs ideas without crediting
your source, you are committing plagiarism, which will result in the need to
re-write the paper and take a significant late penalty (50%). You can use
whatever method of citations you prefer, MLA, Chicago or parenthetical with a
separate page for Sources Cited. If you need assistance here, talk to the
reference librarian or me. There are many writing guides available with simple
explanations and good examples on DAC library website and in the reference
section of the library.
FIRST STEP: WALK THROUGH
THE ENTIRE EXHIBIT
Make a note of the name of
the exhibit. You do not have to walk through the entire museum. (Very
important when you go to a large museum, such as Cantor Center). Notice how you
respond to the content and presentation of the show and the overall feeling of
the exhibit. Read the museum information signs posted with the exhibits. They
provide interesting and helpful background information with regard to the
artist or the work. Pick up free literature about the exhibit. (It is often an
expanded version of the signage.) (PLEASE: Do not paraphrase or quote museum materials
in your paper unless quotes are essential to support your own specific ideas.)
NEXT: SELECT ONE
WORK TO ANALYZE & INTERPRET. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR RESPONSES TO THE
FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN YOUR ANALYSIS.
Plan to spend some time
studying the work: the significance and meaning of a work will not be entirely
revealed on first impression. This occasion may be the first time you have ever
spent so much time looking at a single work of art; this process is AN
IMPORTANT part of the assignment.
Note points below and where you need to spend most time.
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
1 Subject
If the work is
representational or abstract, what is the subject? If this work is in a new
media or technology, could it be considered a new treatment of a traditional
art theme such as portraiture, landscape, etc.?
2 Content or Meaning
This is the most
important part of your paper so donÕt be too brief here. After all, this is what the art is all about. What do
you think is the meaning of the piece? What are the clues in the work that lead
you to this conclusion? What additional themes are addressed directly or
implied by the artist? Does the artwork cause you to re-consider these ideas or
think about them in new ways? What does the title of the work signify?
3 Formal Analysis
Choose the 2 (and only 2)
Formal Elements that you think are most important to interpreting
meaning in the work. How did the artist use them to communicate or reinforce
the meaning of the work? (Do not inventory all of the formal elements in your
paper: Limit yourself to the 2 most important for that work of art.) To refresh
your memory they are:
Line,
Shape (2D)
Form or Mass (3D)
Space
Texture
Time/Motion
Light/Value
Color
4 Medium/Media &
Technique
(Medium/Media refers to the
material it is made from, i.e. oil paint on canvas, carved stone, etc.
Technique is the way the material is constructed, applied etc.) ? How does the
media and/or technique affect the artist's ability to communicate the meaning
of the work? If it not a traditional media or process, do you think the new
technology or material is superior to traditional media? Why?
5 Context & The
Function of Art in Culture at the end of the 20th century
Why did the museum curator
select the work for inclusion in this exhibit? Does this work have special
relevance or significance to viewers today? If it is more than 20 years old,
does it signify something different than when it was originally created? What
is the value of this art exhibit in todayÕs society?
6 Attach a sketch of
the work to your essay (Size: 8.5x11, no larger)
You will not be graded on the
quality or skill of this drawing but you must attach one. Making a sketch will
help you to observe more carefully.
Advisory:
You will not be able to write
an acceptable or substantial paper based on your memory. You need to record
your thoughts and reactions while you are looking at the art. Sit down if
there is a bench, and take your time. You may wish to make several drawings as
well. (At SJMA the docents are happy to bring you a stool if you request it.)
Previous students have said they spent 3 enjoyable hours at the museum. Some
spent two hours and wished they had more time. Plan for a minimum of two hours at the museum.
Logistics
Go with friends from class if
you wish. It is more fun and you have someone with whom you can discuss the
work. This is not a group paper. Be sure you do not write about the same art piece or your papers
will be similar. (I will return such papers to everyone involved. You will
need to select different art objects and write a new paper with significant
late penalty.). Carpool or public transit is a good thing. (I will allow time
in class for you to arrange carpools.)
Visit my website for links to
the museum web sites. There you can find open hours, admission fees, guided
tour schedules, information on parking, driving, transit and maps. Museum
websites also have brief descriptions and previews of the current exhibits,
which can be helpful if you do not know which museum to visit. Museum docents
will talk with you about the art, if you get stuck. (Docents: people who love
art and volunteer their time to talk with visitors, if interested.) There are
usually several docents at SJMA, but none at Cantor Center.