Summary Visual Arts

Visual Literacy​:
Elements of Art

1. Line​ - is 1D and can vary in width, direction and length.
2. Shape​ - 2D and flat, artists use both geometric and organic shapes.
3. Colou​r - can vary with the use of tinting and shading. Often the intensity of a
colour reflects the artist's intention.
4. Value​ - describes the lightness or darkness of a surface.
5. Texture​ - describes the surface quality.
6. Space​ - creates the illusion of depth within an artwork.
7. Form​ - 3D, have volume and can be viewed from many angles.

Principles of Design

1. Balance​ - artworks arrangement. 3 types: symmetrical, asymmetrical and
radial.
2. Contrast/Variety​ - difference between elements such as size of colour
differences.
3. Emphasis ​- creation of a focal point, draws the viewer's attention.
4. Pattern​ - regularly repeated elements (shapes/colour).
5. Unity​ - all elements within artwork are in harmony.
6. Movement​ - how the eye travels through artwork. Can be influenced by line.
7. Rhythm​ - regular repetition of elements (line,shape,forms) to create interest
and consistency.


Writing Descriptions

● Write ​artists name, artwork title, ​and ​year​ (if possible)
● State the ​mode​ (painting, photograph, sculpture…)
● State the ​media ​(oil painting, watercolour, steel, bronze....)
● State the ​format ​(portrait, self-portrait, landscape…)
● Describe ​KEY elements​, state what you see. For example, describe the
colours and subject matter of the landscape rather than saying “The
landscape is pretty.”
● You may mention the ​style ​(naturalistic, expressive…)
● Should be 5 to 6 lines.

,Early International Art (1900 - 1970)

Dada
1916-1922

➔ Dada and Surrealism dominated between the 2 world wars.
➔ Both a revolt against WW1 and questioned traditional values of society.
➔ Heavily influenced following art movements.
➔ Originated in Zurich Switzerland, where WW1 German writer and poet, Hugo
Ball created “Cabaret Voltaire.” Here, artists and writers protested against
society. It was a cross between a nightclub and art society.
➔ There are various ideas of the origin of the name “Dada”.
- It means “hobbyhorse” in French.
- Also the first word of a child, showed search for freedom and new
beginnings.


Influences

❖ WW1, millions killed and many pondered human existence.
❖ People’s emotions
❖ Greedy and materialistic government that made war possible.


Characteristics

➢ State of mind, not a style. Wanted to ‘mock and shock.’
➢ Movement to destroy all traditions in art. Avoided using traditions in art.
➢ Revolt against logic and reason. Explored subconscious.
➢ Controversial - seems as if there was no skill used. Not aesthetic.
➢ Protested against the middle class, art often displayed publicly instead of in a
museum, for all classes to view.




Artists
Kurt Schwitters​ ​(1887-1948)

● Born in Hanover, Germany.
● Produced collages and installation created with junk.
● Used formal elements (colour,shape…)

, ● Sowed everything can be used to create art.




“​Merzbau​” (1923) - Kurt Schwitters

● Found objects used.
● Cubism-like grottos.
● Started in a single room, then spread to 6 rooms.




“​Merz Pictures 29A, Picture with Flywheel​” (1920)
- Kurt Schwitters

● Found objects used.

Marcel Duchamp​ ​(1887-1968)

● French.
● Considered most important and influential artist of the 20th Century.