External exam questions will be made up using the following keywords...
KEY CONTEXTS:
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High and low economic situations would influence the artists' choice of subject matter, style and techniques. Consider how these economic contexts are reflected in the art works we study:
e.g. The low point of American economy is shown in Hopper's paintings as he went through the time after the Great Depression and the WWII. The post-war economic prosperity (the rise of capitalism and consumerism) informed the works of Abstract Expressionists, Neo Dada and Pop artists. |
Political
Certain political perspectives and situations are often reflected in Modernist and Post-Modernist art works. Some artists convey clear political messages in their work:
e.g. Feminist artists and Hotere's anti-racist, anti-war, anti-nuclear and environmentalist works.
While others produce art works without having the political intention. However, their art may also be seen within the political context considering the time period in which the works were produced:
e.g. Pollock's abstract paintings were used as political propaganda to symbolise the freedom and celebration of individuality in America during the Cold War.
e.g. Feminist artists and Hotere's anti-racist, anti-war, anti-nuclear and environmentalist works.
While others produce art works without having the political intention. However, their art may also be seen within the political context considering the time period in which the works were produced:
e.g. Pollock's abstract paintings were used as political propaganda to symbolise the freedom and celebration of individuality in America during the Cold War.
Mass media
Mass media became an important aspect of everyday modern life especially from the 1950-60s onwards. The context of mass media is particularly relevant for NeoDada, Pop Art and Feminist Art (Post-Modernist art movements). The impact of mass media (TV, advertising, movies, magazines, commercial prints and mass production) is one that mirrors the emergence of capitalism and consumerism in the modern world, and influenced how the artists viewed and examined their society, as well as how they approached their art-making.
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KEY MEANINGS:
Place
'Place' refers to a particular position, point, or area in space; a location. Meanings about place will involve the discussion of this notion of location - it may be a specific place being depicted or referred to in the title, but there could also be implications being made about the kinds of place the art works may be symbolising or representing.
e.g Hopper's diner in 'Nighthawks' is unnamed but works as a symbolic place that shows feelings of entrapment and isolation felt by Americans during the war, while Hotere's 'Black Window' series refers to the specific location of Aramoana. |
Philosophy & Spirituality
Meanings about 'philosophy and spirituality' could be asked at the same time or separately. Spiritual meanings are more well-suited for Abstract Expressionist art works and NZ paintings by Hotere and McCahon, as they were genuinely interested in exploring spiritual themes and concerns about the human condition in the post-war period. Meanings about 'philosophy' may involve the discussion of specific philosophical theories, such as existentialism and collective unconscious theory, however, it could also encompass the discussion of the wider philosophical attitude or beliefs, such as consumerism and feminism.
Identity
Identity is defined as "the qualities, beliefs, personality, looks and/or expressions that make a person or group." The notion of identity can be discussed in relation to an individual or a collective (society, nation, gender or cultural groups...).
For example, the meanings about identity evolve around the examination of one's 'self' in Abstract Expressionism, while it is more the social and cultural identity reflected through the everyday subjects and mass media in Pop art works. The assertion of identity can be an important focus, but the absence or the loss of identity can also be explored as a theme.
For example, the meanings about identity evolve around the examination of one's 'self' in Abstract Expressionism, while it is more the social and cultural identity reflected through the everyday subjects and mass media in Pop art works. The assertion of identity can be an important focus, but the absence or the loss of identity can also be explored as a theme.
The everyday, popular culture & consumerism
The emphasis on everyday became an important focus for artists who wanted to react against the notion of 'high art' (Abstract Expressionism), as they believed that everyday aspect would make art more accessible and approachable for the general public. The attention to everyday was not only significant for Pop artists, but also for Hopper who wanted to capture Realist depictions of America. Meanings about everyday, especially when combined with popular culture and consumerism, would work well for NeoDada, Pop and Feminist art works. They were heavily influenced by this new culture that encouraged everyone to want, buy, spend, consume and throw away. The modern world that thrive on money, greed and mass appeal (human instincts) made artists feel both fascinated and skeptical. These meanings may be asked as one combined question using 'and/or' or picked out as a single keyword.
Ideas about art
Ideas about art would allow you to discuss a range of ideas that you know about the key art movements and how they came to be seen as avant-garde. How is their art different from what was done before? Consider how these Modernist and Post-Modernist artists tried to challenge and expand the very idea of what art is, what it could do, and how it should be made and seen. Some examples may include how:
◽ Abstract Expressionists challenged the notion of 'representational art' by abandoning the recognisable image, and turned media/process into the very subject of art.
◽ NeoDada & Pop artists blurred the distinction between high and low art. e.g. Rauschenberg with his combines, blurring the boundaries in art (sculpture and painting), Warhol with his screen-printing and 'business art', Oldenburg's soft sculptures challenging your expectations on what sculptures should be like etc.
◽ Feminist artists sought alternative exhibition spaces and experimented with unconventional methods (e.g. collaboration, installation, photography, craft...): new art forms opening doors to new possibilities for contemporary artists.
◽ Abstract Expressionists challenged the notion of 'representational art' by abandoning the recognisable image, and turned media/process into the very subject of art.
◽ NeoDada & Pop artists blurred the distinction between high and low art. e.g. Rauschenberg with his combines, blurring the boundaries in art (sculpture and painting), Warhol with his screen-printing and 'business art', Oldenburg's soft sculptures challenging your expectations on what sculptures should be like etc.
◽ Feminist artists sought alternative exhibition spaces and experimented with unconventional methods (e.g. collaboration, installation, photography, craft...): new art forms opening doors to new possibilities for contemporary artists.