Theory: Analysing Artists and Artworks
In this unit, students are to select one of the two pair of artists below to research and compare surrealist practices from The French 20th century movement and contemporary Australian artists.
As Surrealism is a conceptual movement, not one bound visual expectations, students should review the overarching aims that they have researched previously.
In your comparison you will need to focus on the theme linked to the option. As with an English essay, your responses should use and address these notions but in Art this is with specific reference to an artwork, not a text.
- The Fantastical World
- Unexpected Realities
To support their understanding of Surrealism in the Australian context, students should read: The Story of Surrealism in Australia
Task: Students are to download the two art analysis templates found here.
One provides the instructions of the information and responses required. The other provides a template for you to present your work in.
Research is the foundation of art analysis. There will be following tasks where the information and your understanding is put into practice through descriptive, analytical and comparative written responses.
Option 1. Surrealism – The Fantastical World
Salvador Dalí (b. Spain 1904 – 1989)
AND
James Gleeson (b. Australia 1915 -2008)
The above video presents a range of Gleeson’s artworks.
This link gives an example of how an Art Auction House would promote and describe an artist’s work.
This link takes you to another gallery that represents Gleeson’s work. There are multiple artworks with descriptions beside them.