visual art (2007) -- sample assessment instrument and annotated

Visual Art (2007) Sample assessment instrument and annotated student responses

Making and appraising: Body of Work 1 and 2 August 2010

2 | Visual Art (2007) Sample assessment instrument and student responses Making and appraising: Body of Work 1 and 2

Purposes of assessment1 The purposes of assessment are to: promote, assist and improve student learning inform programs of teaching and learning provide information for those people — students, parents, teachers — who need to know about the progress

and achievements of individual students to help them achieve to the best of their abilities provide information for the issuing of certificates of achievement provide information to those people who need to know how well groups of students are achieving (school

authorities, the State Minister for Education and Training and the Arts, the Federal Minister for Education).

It is common practice to label assessment as being formative, diagnostic or summative, according to the major purpose of the assessment.

The major purpose of formative assessment is to help students attain higher levels of performance. The major purpose of diagnostic assessment is to determine the nature of students’ learning, and then provide the appropriate feedback or intervention. The major purpose of summative assessment is to indicate the achievement status or standards achieved by students at a particular point in their schooling. It is geared towards reporting and certification.

Syllabus requirements Teachers should ensure that assessment instruments are consistent with the requirements, techniques and conditions of the Visual Art (2007) syllabus and the implementation year 2007.

Assessment instruments2 High-quality assessment instruments3: have construct validity (the instruments actually assess what they were designed to assess) have face validity (they appear to assess what you believe they are intended to assess) give students clear and definite instructions are written in language suited to the reading capabilities of the students for whom the instruments are

intended are clearly presented through appropriate choice of layout, cues, visual design, format and choice of words are used under clear, definite and specified conditions that are appropriate for all the students whose

achievements are being assessed have clear criteria for making judgments about achievements (these criteria are shared with students before

they are assessed) are used under conditions that allow optimal participation for all are inclusive of students’ diverse backgrounds allow students to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their achievements only involve the reproduction of gender, socioeconomic, ethnic or other cultural factors if careful consideration

has determined that such reproduction is necessary.

1 QSA 2008, P–12 Assessment Policy, p. 2. 2 Assessment instruments are the actual tools used by schools and the QSA to gather information about student achievement, for

example, recorded observation of a game of volleyball, write-up of a field trip to the local water catchment and storage area, a test of number facts, the Senior External Examination in Chinese, the 2006 QCS Test, the 2008 Year 4 English comparable assessment task.

3 QSA 2008, P–12 Assessment Policy, pp. 2–3.

Queensland Studies Authority August 2010 | 3

Visual Art (2007) Sample assessment instruments and student responses: Making and appraising: Body of Work 1 and 2

Advice for teachers

Compiled by the Queensland Studies Authority

August 2010

The QSA acknowledges the contribution of Brisbane State High School in the preparation of this document.

About this advice The annotations in the following student sample response, Body of Work 1 and Body of Work 2, were developed for use in a classroom context and to demonstrate the matching of evidence to the syllabus standards. This advice is intended to help teachers implement the syllabus in their school setting. It demonstrates the following:

matching of evidence in a sample A response to syllabus standard A in Visual Art making and appraising

signposting of evidence of Year 12 students’ engagement with the learning inquiry model in the development of Body of Work 1 and Body of Work 2

examples of making instruments for Body of Work 1, exploring the concept external influences, and Body of Work 2 in making and appraising, exploring the concept internal influences

an example of the school’s incorporation of the focus statement and peer presentation as formative strategies for assisting students to develop the Body of Work in given timeframes.

The following advice was originally developed as a PowerPoint presentation.

The making aspect of the following Body of Work has been annotated to show where the student has demonstrated the characteristics of A standard in the visual literacy and application criteria.

Body of Work 2 includes the student appraising response. This is annotated to demonstrate the characteristics of standard A in appraising.

Standard A characteristics in Visual literacy

•

astute defining and creative resolution of visual problems that expressively and innovatively address the concepts, chosen focuses, contexts and media

•

effective and deliberate communication of intended and explicit meanings, demonstrating aesthetic choices through manipulation and control of visual language and expression

•

research, development, resolution and reflection which consistently shows a creative, informed personal aesthetic

Standard A characteristics in Application

•

effective construction and clear communication of intended and explicit meaning applying deep knowledge and critical understanding of materials, technologies, techniques and processes

•

purposeful and considered selection, manipulation and exploitation of materials, technologies, techniques and processes informed by discerning research, development, resolution and reflection

BODY OF WORK 1

Concept: EXTERNAL INFLUENCESFocus: Environmental Impact

RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL WORK(examples of developmental process)

General research ―

unpacking concept

Relevant research on artist is linked to both

the making and appraising task ― in this case the link is to student’s decisions

about media e.g. the use of technology

Further research on other artists whose ways of working and use of technology relate to the student’s area of interest ― this is

also linked to the appraising task research for this Body of Work

Artwork removed pending permission from copyright owner.



Artwork removed pending permission from copyright

owner.




Research on techniques

(photography)

Concept mapping / brainstorming ideas further

All the content in this evidence demonstrates that the student is astutely defining

the concept, and is working towards effective and deliberate

communication of intended and explicit

meaning in the work, in relation to the concept, student focus and media

EARLY EXPERIMENTAL PHOTOS

Initial experimenting with time-lapse photography ―

exploring sites that relate to the focus of environmental impact ―

effective

and deliberate communication

of intended and explicit meanings, demonstrating aesthetic choices

through manipulation and control of visual language and expression

The work is fully considered in

communicating the student’s intended

meaning/s

Throughout the making process consideration of how visual language

is used to convey intended meaning/s is

evident

PRELIMINARY PHOTOSThe student has control and takes

ownership of the way the work is executed and this is evidenced

by his decision making

Research, development, resolution and reflection

which consistently shows a creative, informed personal aestheticThe extensive experimentation (literally hundreds of shots) demonstrates the student’s ability to make informed aesthetic decisions about his resolved work ― in this case, the student deliberately selected only 4 images in his final work

The student demonstrates

knowledge through experimentation

and decision making in the use of

media

The media area is handled with control and knowledge and is appropriately applied

Purposeful and considered

selection, manipulation and exploitation

of materials, technologies, techniques and processes informed by

discerning

research, development, resolution and reflection

Effective construction

and clear communication

of intended and explicit

meaning applying deep knowledge and critical understanding

of materials, technologies, techniques and processes

The artwork clearly embodies the intentions stated in the research phase

The student makes informed decisions about media use

Further technical research ― sound and moving image

Initial draft and refinement of focus statement ― this demonstrates

informed reflection

Research of literature (poetry by TS Eliot) that relates to concept ― discussion with teacher about possible ways to incorporate this into the artwork

FOCUS STATEMENT

STUDENTS WERE ASKED TO PRODUCE A FOCUS STATEMENT OUTLINING THEIR

INTENT AFTER THE INITIAL REFLECTION AND RESEARCH PHASE

FOCUS STATEMENTThe inspiration for my body of work was primarily derived from my local neighborhood and the government’s recent plans to build a four-lane motorway through the suburb. Kenmore’s beautiful green scenery is a perfect example of Australia’s tropical landscape and climate. Throughout the twelve years I have lived here, I have observed significant change in the suburbs’ appearance and overall feel. Major contributing factors to these changes have been the construction of additional roads and motorways as well as the accumulation of densely populated property developments. Kenmore, as a suburb now, can be interpreted in a myriad of different ways. Its natural, open spaced parks and landscapes now contrast with the new housing estates and main road systems. My Body of Work will predominantly be focused on the environmental effects that main roads and cars have on my local suburb. I will be using photography as the main medium for my works, as the suburban photographs can easily capture the focal issue mentioned previously. My idea is to create a series of up to five landscape images all reflecting the environmental impact and including various ‘car light trail’ shots. This photographic technique allows me to experiment freely with the method as well as making it easy to produce an interesting picture. Through this medium and photographic techniques I hope to represent how these main roads and cars have caused detrimental effects to my local suburb.

The student clearly defines the focus; he states the direction of research, experiments and investigations and how he plans to implement these in the creation of the resolved work

Focus statement …continuedMatt Stuart is one of the artists that have directly influenced my body of work. The way in which Stuart encapsulates his urban surroundings is definitely a technique I wish to incorporate in my work. As a source of inspiration he has linked to my exploration in terms of subject and focus on suburban values. All of his work is appealing to me predominantly because of his evident ability to represent the suburbs through a variety of images and under a specific style. His work ‘Oxford Street, 2008’ is emblematic of his creative style and clearly displays his clever ability to ‘capture a moment’ in the streets.

Another artist that I intend to focus on in order to inspire aspects of my work is Bill Henson. His exceptional use of lighting, tone and colour in his photographs is something instantly recognizable and somewhat his trademark technique. ‘Untitled 20’ is a perfect example of his famous and identifiable photography style. It explores a very unique lighting technique as well as a good use of tone and contrast. Aspects of this work such as the lighting, tone and positioning are definitely some things I would like to incorporate in my works. His distinguishable style plays an imperative part in his popularity and is something which may help in the presentation and creation of my body of work.

Research on contemporary artists who work with similar techniques is clearly evident. The student clearly defines how

this work relates to his own research

Focus statement …continued

My final source of inspiration comes from another unique street photographer, Narelle Autio. Similarly, Autio creates outstanding works which employ several different artistic techniques and styles. The strong use of contrast, colour and distinguishable focus is something which separates her from other artists. Despite the evident use of typical photographic techniques, the collaboration of these is something which ultimately encapsulates her unique style.

Throughout my experimental folio I intend to explore a variety of techniques and styles in relation to photography. I will capture and collaborate a plethora of preliminary photographs which will help in the final production of the images. These experimental photographs allow me to sort through possible solutions for my final result. It is through these researched techniques that my own personal photographic style will be derived. Through my experimental practices and body of work, I hope that viewers will be able to perceive the obvious environmental effects that main roads and cars have on my local suburb.

Intentions of the work are astutely defined and the proposed resolution demonstrates creativity and innovation

CLASS PRESENTATION

STUDENTS WERE REQUIRED TO PRESENT RESEARCH & FOLIO WORK TO CLASS FOR PEER REVIEW ― the following slides are from the PowerPoint presentation

prepared by the student

BODY OF WORK: making

•

Inspiration derived from local neighborhood and the government’s plans to build a motorway through it.

•

Kenmore has changed significantly over the past 12 years.•

Construction of roads and property developments have been the main causes of this change.

•

Body of work will be focused predominantly on the environmental effects of these changes.

INSPIRATION Body Of Work

Astute defining

and creative resolution

of visual problems that expressively

and innovatively

address the concepts, chosen focuses, contexts and media

The intention is clearly outlined

The work demonstrates the student’s OWN ideas and intent and relates to

the concept

•

Photography will be the main medium for my work.•

A series of up to 5 printed photographs.•

Car light trails will be experimented.•

Shots of the suburban property developments and their relationship with the natural environment.

•

Through this medium I hope to represent the environmental and health effects of main roads, cars and infrastructure in Kenmore.

MEDIUM and TECHNIQUE Body Of Work

Astute defining

and creative resolution

of visual problems that expressively

and innovatively

address the concepts, chosen focuses, contexts and media


The work demonstrates the student’s OWN ideas and intent and relates to

the concept


•

Techniques such as the way in which he encapsulates his urban surroundings•

The way he represents his urban surroundings through photography•

His ability to ‘capture a moment’

is also a technique I wish to incorporate

MATT STUART Body Of Work – Artist Influences


―

student communicates clearly how this work relates to his own Artwork removed pending permission from copyright owner.

•

His exceptional use of lighting, tone, colour and composition is something instantly recognisable; a trademark technique

•

I would like to incorporate his photographic techniques and distinguishable style, whilst constructing my own personal style

BILL HENSON Body Of Work – Artist Influences


―

student communicates clearlyhow this work relates to his own


•

Similarly, she creates works which employ several different artistic techniques and styles

•

Uses film as well as DSLR cameras to create her unique photographs

Narelle Autio Body Of Work – Artist Influences


―

student communicates clearly how this work relates to his own


EDITED PHOTOGRAPHS Body Of Work - Experimentation

Effective construction

and clear communication

of intended and explicit

meaning applying deep knowledge

and critical understanding

of materials, technologies, techniques and processes

EDITED PHOTOGRAPHS Body Of Work - Experimentation Purposeful and considered

selection, manipulation and

exploitation

of materials, technologies, techniques

and processes informed by discerning

research, development, resolution and

reflection

EDITED PHOTOGRAPHS Body Of Work - Experimentation

THE END.

FINAL RESOLVED MAKING WORK

BODY OF WORK 1

INCORPORATED THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SERIES + SHORT FILM www.qsa.qld.edu.au/12113.html

http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/12113.html

ARTIST STATEMENT

For a Minute there is Time, For Decisions and RevisionsWhich a Minute can Reverse.The inspiration for this photographic body of work was ultimately derived from the idea

that different people can be affected by similar things. The concept of the human journey and how people’s lives can be directed and altered by a single event or decision is a message being portrayed throughout the four images. The incorporation of an excerpt from T.S Elliot’s ‘Little Gidding”

has been included to create a common element and thus reinforce the idea of the human journey.

We shall not cease from explorationAnd the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we startedAnd know the place for the first time.

These words referring to a similar idea and one that explores this underlying message of how people live their lives and the journeys they undertake in doing so. Through the incorporation of these visuals and myself as a constant figure, my body of work focuses on how, through the journey of life, different people’s lives can be affected and altered by similar things –

the way external influences shape our lives.

BODY OF WORK IIConcept: INTERNAL

INFLUENCESFocus: Human Frailty

RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL WORK

(Examples of process work)STUDENT EXPLORED PHOTOGRAPHY EXTENSIVELY ― THE FOLLOWING SLIDES INCLUDE THUMBNAILS OF HIS RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTATION

EXPERIMENTAL PHOTOS

Initial experimenting with time lapse photography ― exploring “light graffiti”

that relates to the focus of human frailty ―effective

and deliberate communication

of intended and explicit meanings, demonstrating aesthetic choices

through manipulation and control of visual language and expression

EXPERIMENTAL PHOTOS

RESEARCH ON ARTISTS

Further research on other artists whose ways of working and use of technology relate to the

student’s area of interest


RESEARCH ON ARTISTS

Research on techniques ―

(photography / how to

make a light box / light graffiti)


RESEARCH ON ARTISTS


Throughout the making process

consideration of how visual language is

used to convey intended meaning/s is

evident

The work is completed in an innovative way


The work demonstrates the student’s OWN

ideas and intent and relates to the conceptFOCUS

STATEMENT

The student demonstrates knowledge through

experimentation and decision making in the use of media



The work demonstrates the student’s OWN ideas and intent

and relates to the concept

Artwork removed pending

permission from copyright owner.


Artwork removed pending permission from copyright owner. Artwork removed pending

permission from copyright owner.




which consistently shows a creative, informed

personal aestheticThe extensive experimentation (literally hundreds of shots) of photography demonstrates the student’s ability to make informed aesthetic decisions about

his final resolved work by choosing only a few images in his final work

THE FINAL RESOLVED MAKING WORK

BODY OF WORK 2INCORPORATED A

PHOTOGRAPHIC SERIES

THE FOLLOWING PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE NOT BEEN DIGITALLY ENHANCED. THE STUDENT PRODUCED THE EFFECT USING

L.E.D LIGHTS AND TIME-LAPSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Standard A characteristics in Appraising

•

critical analysis, interpretation, evaluation

and effective synthesis

of information about visual language,

expression and meanings in artworks, emphasising the interrelationship between the chosen focuses, contexts and media relevant to concepts

A complex problem is examined in detail by breaking it into

constituent parts

The student makes a judgement after

considering information

The ideas are brought together in a succinct

relevant and concise way

The question has been fully answered by addressing all the

requirements of the task

•

an independent and informed viewpoint substantiated by comprehensive and insightful research, development, resolution and reflection

The student has stated his own educated viewpoint and

supported this by referring to his research, which is relevant to the

argument or discussion, the concept or focus

•

consistently accurate and skilful use of relevant visual art terminology, referencing and language conventions

The student has used the school designated referencing conventions correctly and his writing is

coherent. He has used correct terminology and conventions of the task genre

Student’s Response Appraising Body of Work 1

Concept: External influences

Task: How does the inclusion of technology in the visual arts mirror the information technologies which have become a necessity to our contemporary society?

Answer this question with reference to the art practice of Patricia Piccinini and one other contemporary artist of your choice.

You will need to refer to at least 4 artworks. The justification of your viewpoint must be supported and include reference to the works of these artists.

Essay- introduction

The continual improvement of technology and the evident beginning of a technological revolution has posed significant effects upon contemporary art and transformed the way artists express their thoughts upon an issue. Over time these technological advances have confronted society with both ethical and moral issues that have consequently been reflected in modern art. The techniques implemented by contemporary artists often mirror society’s reliance on information technology by highlighting the dependence and significance of technology as a stimulus as well as its imperative role in the production process. Post-modern artists Patricia Piccinini and Jenny Holzer both utilize technology throughout all of their works to insinuate either personal or neutral views on the presented issue. They have similarly directed their art forms towards consumerism and ideologies regarding human morals and ethics in today’s society. Piccinini’s works express her personal viewpoint and her reaction to ethical issues surrounding the technological intervention in producing, maintaining and enhancing life. Her works do not tend to demonstrate her opinions on the issue; instead they are created to raise questions and demand an emotive response from the audience. Similarly, Jenny Holzer presents both explicit content and minimalist aesthetics to make profound statements about the contemporary world of advertising and consumer society.

The ideas are brought together in a succinct and concise

way

The student makes a judgement after

considering information

Patricia Piccinini is fascinated with the relationship that both natural and artificial objects share. Her profound interest in such subject matter is demonstrated throughout all her works and becomes evident through her highly creative, perfectionist style. Piccinini’s life-like creations often represent a dichotomy between the beautiful, the sinister and the seductive world of consumerism. By embracing the concept of technology, the mass production of her works and sculptures can take place.

‘The Young Family’, ‘Protein Lattice’ and ‘Restless’ are three works by Piccinini which all explore issues surrounding the technological interventions of human life and the process of genetic engineering. In The Young Family (2002), Piccinini has created a group of what appears to be a confused combination of dog, pig and human. This grotesquely humanoid figure, although shocking at first glance, does not connote any negative or dangerous feelings upon the audience but in contrast induces a feeling of empathy within us. Despite the sense of vulnerability held towards the creature, viewers are still left to decide whether the creation is a ‘realistic portrayal of genetic modification gone disturbingly wrong’ (Patricia Piccinini's Synthetic Organisms, 2008).

The student has used the school designated referencing conventions correctly and his writing is coherent. He has used

correct terminology throughout with accurate spelling and grammar

The student has stated his own viewpoint and supported this by referring to his research which is relevant to the concept or focus

In late 1995, Piccinini’s attention was drawn to the publicity surrounding a tissue engineering experiment that involved the growth of human ear cartilage on the back of a rat (Protein Lattice - Subset Blue, 2008).‘Protein Lattice’ contrasts the human perception of beauty by positioning a genetically modified rat with, what seems to be, a flawless female model. Piccinini’s argument is that both the mutant rat and the fashion model are similarly beautiful, false and freakish, since the fashion photographs are digitally enhanced to remove the slightest imperfection (Israel, 2004, p 193). To further reinforce her work’s messages she states, “My sympathy does not run too deep for models and rats; models get more benefits than laboratory rats and lab rats are often more difficult to like. However, both are subject to the same constant and radical transformations and both are used interchangeably, without any regard to their specific personality.” (Patricia Piccinini, Artist’s Statement for Protein Lattice). Piccinini’s work employs advertising formats and conventions to question decisions regarding consumerism. This was demonstrated through the placement of this work upon a billboard for the opening exhibition. The similarities between Piccinini’s and Holzer’s work become evident through the way in which the art is communicated to the audience. The obvious advertising format in both artists work gives the viewer something to relate to and thus contrasts the familiar with the unfamiliar.

A complex problem is examined in detail by breaking it into constituent parts

In ‘Restless 2000’ from the series ‘SO2,’ Piccinini produced a digitally enhanced image including another of her unusually life-like creatures. The series of works is set in suburban environments, where each creature appears to be actively interacting with humans. The somewhat fragile and vulnerable ‘synthetic organism’ is a manifestation of potential life, carefully demonstrated through the inclusion of human-like characteristics. Again, this fascinating work questions what is natural and what is artificial and presents itself as a platform to where relative arguments can take place.As Piccinini’s works have rightly demonstrated, technology plays an imperative part in the majority of contemporary art. Jenny Holzer is another contemporary conceptual artist that takes advantage of technology to produce her works. Similarly to Piccinini’s work, Holzer’s art forms often reflect on big issues current to the time and place. Although consumerism and the world of advertising is often the main focus portrayed in her artworks, it is more importantly about the way in which the art is presented to the audience. ‘For the City’, is a series of light projections that appeared on the walls of the New York public library in 2005. For this work, Holzer used recently declassified United States government documents as stimulus and projected the text on the walls of various buildings and structures. Light projections have been a critical component of Jenny Holzer’s artistic practice. The moving projections, akin to credits scrolling at the end of a film, allow the artist to work demonstratively with the ephemeral (Sara DeRose, 2005). Her works are often difficult to deconstruct, as the meanings of the text are sometimes irrelevant. However, whether in urban or rural settings, using her own writings or those of others, the ambition of each projection remains the same. "I show what I can with words in light and motion in a chosen place, and when I envelop the time needed, the space around, the noise, smells, the people looking at one another and everything before them, I have given what I know." (Holzer, 2004).

The question has been fully answered by addressing all the requirements of the task

The student makes a judgment after considering information

Piccinini has pursued an interest in the human form and its potential for manipulation and enhancement through bio-technical intervention. From the mapping of the human genome to the growth of human tissue and organs from stem cells, Piccinini’s art “charts a terrain in which scientific process and ethical questions are combined” (Patricia Piccinini, 2007). Holzer’s work, although very different in stimulus and style, also uses technology in the production and presenting process. The ongoing technological advances in society will always be reflected in contemporary art and it is through these advances that the art forms will continue to progress respectively. ‘Art is a reflection of society in that the history of art is the history of man. Art is always of its time – it informs us of what life is like for any given culture at any point in time.’ Jenny Holzer and Patricia Piccinini both incorporate aspects of technology in their works to mirror the surrounding technologies of their given time. It is through this clever use of technology in their works that exclusively separates them from other

conceptual artists of today.

The student has used the school designated referencing conventions correctly and their writing is

coherent. He has used correct terminology throughout

The student has stated his own viewpoint and supported this by referring to research which is

relevant to the concept or focus

The ideas are brought together in a succinct and

concise way

References•

1) Israel, G. (2004). Senior Artwise

2. Brisbane, Australia: Jacaranda

•

2) Patricia Piccinini's

Synthetic Organisms, 2008. Retrieved 22nd February 2009 from (http://www.elisidman.com/nature_of_neptune/2008/01/patricia-

piccin.html)

•

3) Protein Lattice -

Subset Blue, 2008. Retrieved 22nd February 2009 from (www.gowlangsfordgallery.com/featured/piccinini/default.asp).

•

4) Patricia Piccinini, 2007. Retrieved 22nd February 2009 from (http://www.tolarnogalleries.com/patricia-piccinini/).

•

5) Patricia Piccinini, Artist’s Statement for Protein Lattice, 2006. Retrieved from www.patriciapiccinini.net.

http://www.elisidman.com/nature_of_neptune/2008/01/patricia-piccin.html

http://www.elisidman.com/nature_of_neptune/2008/01/patricia-piccin.html

http://www.gowlangsfordgallery.com/featured/piccinini/default.asp

http://www.tolarnogalleries.com/patricia-piccinini/

http://www.patriciapiccinini.net/

visual art (2007) -- sample assessment instrument and annotated

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