Analyzing and interpreting contextual sources

Understanding Contextual Sources

Artistic Influence: Identify the different influences a piece of artwork may have been subjected to, like historical influences, societal issues, cultural practices, scientific advancements or personal experiences of the artist.
Comparing Artworks: Make comparisons by identifying similarities or differences in style, theme, technique, or subject matter across a range of artworks.

Interpreting Artworks

Exploring Symbolism: Understand usage of symbolism, this could involve colours, shapes, objects, or figures. Recognise what these might represent or communicate.
Considering Stylistic Choices: Consider the techniques, methods, and materials used. Ask why the artist chose this specific style or technique and what it adds to the piece.

Analysing Artworks

Applying Formal Analysis: Learn how to break an artwork down by its formal elements (e.g. line, shape, form, space, colour, and texture).
Applying Critical Analysis: Learn to evaluate the success of a piece of artwork, considering not only how well it has been executed, but also its effectiveness in communication or evoking emotion.

Case Studies

Victoria and Albert Museum: Looking at this world-renowned museum collections can help understand different cultures, histories, and why certain art practices are significant.
Tate Modern: Studying the collections of this modern art museum can help explore the history of modern and contemporary art, including influential art movements and artists.

Reflecting and Evaluating

Understanding Personal Interpretations: Reflect on how personal experiences, understanding, and emotions can impact interpretations of an artwork.
Developing Art Vocabulary: Build a comprehensive art vocabulary to help articulate interpretations and analysis in a clear, concise manner.
Taking a Stand: Formulate unique interpretations and be able to support these with convincing arguments and supporting evidence from the artwork.

Key Theorists

Sigmund Freud: Understanding Freud’s psychoanalysis theories can provide insights into why artists create what they do, and help interpret symbolic meanings and unconscious motivations.
Ferdinand de Saussure: Familiarity with Saussure’s semiotics theory can aid in understanding how signs and symbols work within art to communicate meaning.
Marcel Duchamp: Duchamp’s theories on conceptual art challenge the traditional understanding of ‘what is art’, and can help broaden the approach to interpreting contemporary artworks.
Jacques Derrida: Knowledge of Derrida’s deconstruction theory can help unravel different layers of meaning in an artwork, encouraging a deeper understanding.