In this assignment, you are going to find the meaning behind the artwork. First, answer the question, “What mood or feeling applies to this artwork?” keep it simple, one or two words only. Once you have that, you should write one or two principles or elements that are present in the work that supports the corresponding mood or feeling. Second, complete the following sentence: [artist’s name]’s [artwork title] is about… For example, Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World is about a the isolation and lonliness of a woman in a rural area. This is your interpretive thesis.
Upon completion of this, write two to three paragraphs discussing and interpreting the work using the mood and the interpretive thesis you write. The interpretation should be supported with description and analysis.
Artwork to InterpretYou may only choose from one of the two works listed below:
Nighthawk’sEdward HopperTextbook Page 180
OR
Untitled Film Still #35Cindy Sherman Textbook Page 678
FormattingThis assignment should be typed in Times New Roman 12pt double spaced with 1 inch margins. Your name, course, assignment, and instructor name should appear in the upper left hand corner of the paper. The paper should be titled and the title should be in italics. Make sure to indent paragraphs. MLA guidelines should be followed. You are NOT required to cite the textbook but you may if you want to. Just remember to give proper MLA citation.
Things to RememberDo not be apologetic or humble in the postulation of your description or analysis. This means, do not use phrases such as, “I Think…”, “In my opinion…” “It could mean…”. If you support your analysis with visual evidence then you are asserting facts.
Please reread the section on the Example Page that covers:
Make sure you know and refer to the medium correctly!Do not call artworks “Artpiece” or “Art Piece”!!!Value not “Shading”Do NOT create a narrative story
Things to ConsiderInterpretationInterpretation attempts to get at the meaning of the art work.
What do you think is the relationship of the title to the picture or meaning?What areas do you notice first? Do you think there is a relationship between what you notice first and what you notice later? If so, what is that relationship and what could it mean?What story do you think is being told?How does it make you feel when you look at this picture?AnalysisUse the elements and principles of design and the relationships between the subjects to support your interpretation.After each of the following questions, add: How does that support the interpretation?1. How has the picture been arranged?2. Are there any leading lines and if so, where is your eye lead3. What Principles and Elements are actively present?1. What colors are used and how have they been arranged?2. What shapes are there and how have they been arranged?3. Is there a sense of space or perspective.4. Are there any special techniques employed by the artist?