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Unit of Study
II.
Marisol - The Language of Art: Communicating With A Critical Eye
Lesson 1
*The duration of this lesson could extend for several class periods.
Objectives
Students will:
- use a four-step method of art criticism to make independent judgements about works of art. (thinking skill: Evaluation)
- use appropriate art vocabulary to describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate a work of art (thinking skill: Application)
Marisol, General Bronze(detail), 1997, cast and fabricated
bronze, 1/3, 102''x109''x 55'', Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation,
Inc. on exhibition at Grounds For Sculpture. |
Vocabulary
- sensory, formal and technical qualities
- art historian
- art critic
Teacher Preparation
- Reflect on the function of professional criticism
- Identify sources of contemporary art criticism (See Resources.)
- Create for yourself a guide to the four-step method
- Select a model with which you are comfortable. There are many fine adaptations available that reference this method. The model used in this lesson is Salome and Hobbs, The Visual Experience, Davis Publication Inc. 1995.
The Four Step Method:
Description, Analysis, Interpretation, Evaluation
Step 1. Description In description, list only factual information, strictly what is observable and verifiable.
- Label (Name, artist, size, medium, location, date of production)
- Subject Matter (Be as specific as possible.)
- Elements and Principles
Step 2. Analysis In analysis, the focus is on artistic choice. How has the artist organized the subject matter, elements, and principles? Compare and contrast the use of elements and principles. (For example, The artist has created contrast through the use of bold geometric shape juxtaposed with softly curving organic shape.)
- Sensory Qualities
- Formal Qualities
- Technical qualities
Step 3. Interpretation Interpretation must be rooted in the visual image itself or in verifiable sources of information beyond the artwork. Do not create meaning beyond what can be grounded in the work.
- Use of metaphor
- Additional sources might include: artist's personal commentary and exhibition catalogues
Step 4. Evaluation Evaluation is based on the three previous steps in the critique process. Evaluation refers to the quality of the art work. Criteria for consideration should include:
- Expressive qualities
- Craftsmanship
 A student describes, analyzes, interprets, and evaluates Marisol's General Bronze. |
Procedure
- Review the components of the four-step method as listed above.
- Identify professional contemporary art critics. Read reviews in art magazines and newspapers.
- Discuss the function of professional criticism to inform, both the arts community and the general public about exhibitions of art.
- Review and evaluate the exhibitions to guide the public in making informed decisions about attendance and participation.
- Instruct students to apply the four-step method to a work of their own.
- Students share their individual student criticisms with the class.
- Ask the class to add any information it feels the individual student has forgotten. Why is this particular information important?
Unit of Study II.
Marisol - The Language of Art: Communicating With A Critical
Eye
Unit Overview | Lesson 1
| Lesson 2
Four
Step Method Worksheet | Assessment
Rubric
Extensions
About the Curriculum | Units of Study | Field Trip Activity | Resources
NJ Resources | Studying Contemporary Sculpture | Public Relations
Reference Chart for Standards | Extension Activities | Standards
Forming School Partnerships | Acknowledgements | Meet the Team
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