Unit 2: Interpreting artworks and developing the Creative Practice

In Unit 2 students use Inquiry learning to investigate the artistic and collaborative practices of artists. They use the Cultural Lens, and the other Interpretive Lenses as appropriate, to examine artworks from different periods of time and cultures, and to explore the different ways that artists interpret and communicate social and personal ideas in artworks

Students explore the collaborative practices of artists and use the Creative Practice to make and present artworks. They develop visual responses based on their investigations, exploring the way historical and contemporary cultural contexts, ideas and approaches have influenced the artworks and the practices of the artists they investigate, as well as their own art practice.

Artworks can acknowledge specific ideas or beliefs, or commemorate people, institutions, social movements and events. They can reinforce the intentions and purpose of a social, cultural or community group, or they can challenge social or cultural attitudes and assumptions. Throughout Unit 2, students examine the importance of the social and cultural contexts of artworks and analyse the varying social functions that art can serve. They also investigate how artworks can be created as forms of expression for specific social and cultural contexts. Students research historical and contemporary artworks and explore diverse and alternative approaches to making and presenting artworks.

While the focus of this unit is on the Cultural Lens, students should continue to apply aspects of the Structural and Personal Lenses where relevant in the analysis and interpretation of artworks and in the documentation of their art practice.

Getting started – Collaborative Practice

While continuing to explore creative practice and experiment with aesthetic qualities and materials and techniques to develop your own ‘visual language’, students will investigate the importance of collaboration in the art world, now and in the past. Read the articles below before undertaking the next tasks.

The Role of Collaboration

The Importance of Collaboration

What is Interactive Art

To do:

  • In your visual diary create a ‘cover’ page’ Unit 2. Interpreting artworks and developing the Creative Practice – COLLABORATION
  • On this page, identify and explain the value of collaboration to visual artists.
  • Provide two visual examples of different forms of artistic collaboration pre-2000 and two examples post-2000. Each of these examples must also be from a different culture or country.
  • All artworks must have the url and didactics directly below the printed image.
  • Make a statement about the type of collaboration that appeals to you the most at this stage. Explain how it could benefit your own creative process.
  • On the next three pages of your visual diary, research and present examples of one of each of the different approaches to collaboration listed below.
  • Provide a brief outline of the reason the collaboration was initiated, their aims and approaches and the outcome.
  • Include significant information such as quotes, information relating to the message of the artwork and the roles and actions of the people involved.

1. Artists who work together on the design and creation of the same artwork/s.

2. Artists who work with outside specialists.

3. Artists that create artworks that require the audience to collaborate through interaction and participation.