Key requirements for this assignment:

– Must be a MODERN Artist

– Must be of a work of art from this artist that you saw and experienced personally in a museum or gallery.

Project Overview:
Visit a local museum. Be sure to allow yourself to spend some time there. Choose a work of art that you would like to learn more about. Study the artist. Describe the medium (or media) used. Review the size/dimensions of the work. The year in which it was created. The artist’s influences, the theme of their work, what they are/were trying to express through it. Consider concepts such as symbolism – if there is any – the purpose of the work, what the work “does”, etc. Does it challenge our/your beliefs? Does it shock? Does it touch you/us emotionally? Or is it purely a work of personal self-expression? If it is self-expression, explain what is being expressed. These considerations are simply a starting point. You are encouraged to think about the eternal question, What is Art?. Make use of proper terminology to describe and interpret the work (see lecture on The Principles and Elements of Design for details on terms in Week 1).

Topic:
You should choose either a modern artist or a modern theme. This project must analyze a work of visual art (i.e. painting, sculpture, architecture or any form which can be analyzed using the terms discussed in chapters two and three). Photography, performance art, fashion, time-based work – such as film or video – are all acceptable, but your analysis must focus on the visual elements. Be sure to verify your topic with me so we are in agreement that it is acceptable.

Format/Length/Evidence:
This paper must be at least five (5) doubled-spaced pages, prepared with one-inch margins. 12-point font in either Times/Times New Roman must be used. MLA formatting is required. At least ONE credentialed, secondary source should be included. This source must be properly cited. Be advised, this submission is subject to Turn-It-In anti-plagiarism software. A failure to comply with the University’s Policy on Academic Integrity will result in the issuing of a zero and the work-in-question will then undergo a review by Student Conduct. See the Student Handbook for details.

Final Project Deadline:
Due Thursday, August 16th

Thesis/Focus Examples:

History/overview of a modern form of art: origins, influences, connections to past styles, etc. Look at specific examples of the form and explain specific characteristics.

The influence of a style of art on a modern artist in another field: the influence of realism on a photographer, the influence of a modern style of art on a fashion designer (research required!). Example: Pop Art and Pucci.

A modern artist and a reoccurring theme in their work. Look at several works and compare/contrast them. Example: Cindy Sherman – a photographer whose series, Untitled Film Stills, portray Sherman herself as a subject in “imagined” films.