Primary Sources, Student Activities, Teacher Reference Materials, Other Education Materials
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts
- State Standards:
- HSp.VA.Re.7.1
HSa.VA.Re.7.1
6-8.VA.Re.7.2
HSp.VA.Re.7.2
Background
Art criticism is the analysis and evaluation of works of art. It is interpretative, and those engaging in art criticism seek to understand a work of art from a particular theoretical perspective to establish its significance as a work of art. In this take-home activity, students will read and analyze an excerpt from the essay “The White Bird,” by art critic and writer John Berger (1926 – 2017). Students will then respond to questions and writing prompts which are designed to help them understand what they have read. Specifically, they learn about the qualities of artwork which help art shape understanding of human perception and experiences. These questions are designed to allow room for students to present their thoughts and responses in an exploratory, open-ended way. The questions are also designed to introduce students to key concepts of art criticism.
The lesson addresses the following South Dakota Content Learning Standards for Grades 9 – 12 visual arts courses. It may also be adapted to AP Art History courses. Specifically, it addresses the following South Dakota Anchor Standard:
(7): Perceive and analyze artistic ideas and work, and the following high school level standards:
-
HSp.VA.Re.7.1 Hypothesize ways in which art influences perception and understanding of human experiences.
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HSa.VA.Re.7.1 Analyze how responses to art develop over time based on knowledge of and experience with art and life.
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6-8.VA.Re.7.2 Analyze and interpret how visual imagery influences the viewer’s ideas, emotions, and actions.
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HSp.VA.Re.7.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of imagery to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.
Vocabulary
- Art / Artwork / Works of Art: An artifact, object, or action that has been put forward by an artist or other person as something to be experienced, interpreted, and appreciated. Artwork can include work created for expressive, utilitarian, or other uses, and is inclusive of all forms of design: paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, architecture, photography, design, etc.
- Conservation: The practice of caring for artworks in terms of preservation and restoration.
- Figurative Representation / Subject: The persons or things represented, as well as the artist’s experiences that serve as inspiration.
- Technique: The manner and skill with which artists employ their tools and materials to achieve a predetermined expressive effort.
- Theme: An idea that recurs or pervades in a work or collection of artworks, conveyed through subject matter and interpreted by both artist and audience. Themes are often developed through symbolic referents.
Materials
Tags: art in parks
Last updated: March 6, 2023