Key Concepts in Visual Arts
Communication Communication is the exchange or transfer of signals, facts, ideas and symbols. It requires a sender, a message and an intended receiver. Communication involves the activity of conveying information or meaning. Effective communication requires a common “language” (which may be written, spoken or nonverbal). Communication is often regarded in the arts as a message between the artist and an audience, or between performers. Without intended communication the arts become solely self-expressive. Aesthetics Aesthetics deals with the characteristics, creation, meaning and perception of beauty and taste. The study of aesthetics develops skills for the critical appreciation and analysis of art, culture and nature. In the arts, the concept of aesthetics is perceived differently around the world and across cultures. Aesthetics does not only address the rules and principles of beauty but should also include cultural perspectives and perception through the senses. Identity Identity is the state or fact of being the same. It refers to the particular features that define individuals, groups, things, eras, places, symbols and styles. Identity can be observed, or it can be constructed, asserted, and shaped by external and internal influences. In the arts we often explore the self and self-discovery through the concept of identity; however, identity may also refer to the identity of a genre, style, movement, particular artist or place. Change Change is a conversion, transformation, or movement from one form, state or value to another. Inquiry into the concept of change involves understanding and evaluating causes, processes and consequences. The arts may be a reflection of change, or an inspiration for change. Change may be considered as external to the arts or incorporated within an artwork. In the arts, change can also be termed as metamorphosis or transformation—a marked change, in appearance, form, nature or character. Other key concepts can also be important in arts. Creativity, culture, form, perspective, relationships, as well as time, place and space, are all key concepts easily applied in arts units of study. Related Concepts in Visual Arts Audience An individual or group who receive and/or respond to arts. Addressing this concept includes examining strategies for engaging audience, different types of audiences and how the audience–artist relationship affects and influences the arts. Boundaries The parameters that define a personality, a culture, an environment, civil law, a skill set or a belief structure. The concept of boundaries can include: themes, issues and concepts; the imagined or physical boundary between performance space and audience; the subversive or provocative nature of the arts; the dividing line between what is real and what is fictional; private and public space; the relationships between characters. Composition The intentional organization or contrast, balance, arrangement or awareness of the elements and principles of art for a particular purpose in the creation of art. These may include tension and release, repetition and variety, unison and harmony, sound and silence, theme and variation, and dynamics and energy. Expression The representation of feelings and emotions, ideas, thoughts, beliefs, values and opinions in the process of visual or physical articulation. It can include signs, symbols, semiotics or any other imagery to capture the artist intention. It is something you do, create or play that shows what you think or feel. Expression facilitates the communication of an idea. Genre Different artistic expressions that create a style when grouped by the same use of techniques, in a distinctive manner regarding theme, content or practice. Innovation An altered interpretation or the experimentation of ideas, techniques and media. It ensures originality and creativity by new ways of presenting ideas and unusual use of media. The invention of new functions and ways of working. Interpretation The understanding of experiences and events mainly through the reference frame of our own reality and contexts. The understanding of the meaning of an artist’s creative work and artistic expressions. An artist’s distinctive personal version expressed by stylistic individuality. Narrative A spoken, written or visual account of connected events; a story, which may be fictional or non-fictional. The narrative may manipulate the viewpoint of the audience: bias is persuasive narrative designed to deliver a particular mandate, brief or point of view. Play Play can occur in an artistic process or product. In process, play is experimentation—playing with ideas, characters, and techniques. This may be structured or free play. Improvisation is a structured approach to play, which often has the elements of a game and may involve particular rules. In product, play can be a collective creation of a theatre piece or a pre-existing piece of theatre that is authored and documented and that is transformed into live action. Presentation The choice of medium, tool, and exhibition or performance space that contributes to audience understanding of the meaning or purpose of the art piece. Representation The description, depiction or portrayal of a person, group, place or item in a particular way or as being of a certain nature. An image or likeness. Role The development, adoption and portrayal of a character. The performer has to consider how to communicate the character’s psychology, emotions and physicality. This is concerned with examining situations, issues, concepts and texts from the perspective of a role. Different approaches, ideas and texts can be used to create and portray a character. The individual roles of instruments can be harmonic, rhythmic or melodic. Structure This refers to the shape, timing and organization of the art and the factors that determine how a piece or performance is shaped. It takes into consideration form, function, narrative, melody, harmony, contrast, focus and the construction of smaller parts to create a whole. Style A type of art characteristic of a group of people, person or period of time and belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions. Art conforming to a established form. Visual culture A field of study that generally includes some combination of cultural studies, art history, critical theory, philosophy, and anthropology, by focusing on aspects of culture that rely on visual images |
MYP Visual Arts Terms Definitions
Artistic development Growth in an individual’s knowledge, skills, processes and attitudes needed for working with the arts. Artistic intention The intended or planned outcomes or goals for the artwork. Artistic processes The infinite number of ways that art is made and presented. Audience An individual or group who receive and/or respond to art. Construct meaning Create an understanding about something; to infer and interpret facts, an opinion, an idea or an event that has been read, viewed or listened to. Context The facts or circumstances that surround an event or situation. Medium and tool The materials and implements used in the creation of a piece of art. These may be physical and/or digital. Personal signature A feature of the work that is unique to the individual. Point of realization The end point in the student’s work (final product) in the context of a unit of work or task. The work may not be completely finished, but an end point has been reached in the context in which it has been produced. Process journal A tool that allows students to manage and record the processes of their own art experience and artistic development. Process work Planning, experimenting, brainstorming, research, visual reflection, written reflection, rough drafts and any other evidence that indicates steps taken throughout the process of working, and choices made towards the realization of the finished artwork. Product The artwork that is the end point of the student’s work. Production The staging of performance work for presentation to an audience. Production elements are set, lights, costume, make-up, sound, and stage management. Recognize The ability to identify through patterns or features. Skill An ability that has been acquired by training and/or experience. Specialized language Terminology and vocabulary specific to a particular art discipline, art form, genre and/or style. Technique The form used to show a skill. The particular way a skill is performed. The elements of art Line, shape, space, form, color, texture and value. The principles of art Rhythm, movement, contrast, emphasis, balance, harmony, variety, unity, pattern and proportion. Transfer Convey the passing from one place, person or thing to another; transfer learning from one situation to another. MYP Command Terms for Visual Arts Create The action required to evolve one’s thoughts or imaginings into a work, product, outcome or invention Critique Provide a critical review or commentary, especially when dealing with works of art or literature. Demonstrate Prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application. Develop To improve incrementally, elaborate or expand in detail. Evolve to a more advanced or effective state. Evaluate Assess the implications and limitations; make judgments about the ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria. Explore Undertake a systematic process of discovery. Formulate Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s). Identify Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature. Outline Give a brief account. Present Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration. Use Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice. |