Defining Subject Matter

SUBJECT MATTER refers to what the artwork is about. It is the visual or narrative focus of the work. In some instances, the title might give you a clue.

A guiding question to ask yourself to help determine the subject matter is?

What did the artist choose to include or represent in their work?

Subject Matter can be loosely divided into the following categories

OBJECTS

Functional or useful objects, Still life, found objects and objects used as symbols of ownership, culture or value. Objects venerated (sacred) as religious symbols or used to represent strong feelings or fantasy.

PEOPLE

Portraits of specific people or the Human Figure used in stories of heroes or gods or used for religion or self-discovery or personality. The Human Figure has been used in art as expression of feelings, as objects of reverence, as symbols of fertility or death, strength or weakness, humorous or didactic (teaching). 

LIVING THINGS (Other than people) 

Plants and animals from land, air and sea, used to decorate, as part of story or as a study in themselves. Many animals and plants have been used as symbols or motifs for design or expression of feelings, humour or themes and issues.

PLACES and SPACES

Landscapes, Seascapes, Cityscapes, Interiors, maps or keys to location. Places in fantasy or personal experiences.

EVENTS

Important Events in Life – birth, death, sickness or work. Historical, Public or Social Events- wars, coronations, shipwrecks, executions, festivals or plagues.

Spiritual or Religious – Events within religious teachings.

ISSUES and THEMES

Where art deals with issues or topics, which cause debate such as feminism, multiculturalism, pollution or animal rights. Some are controversial others universal. Art which deals with themes such as abstraction, colour, love, hate, technology, cruelty, confrontation etc.

REPRESENTATIONAL

Looks like something, represents something even if it is not realistic.