Artwork is the creative production of visual objects designed to communicate ideas and emotions. Artwork can take on many forms, including paintings, sculptures, architectural designs and even public performances. It can be found in museums, galleries and public places like parks and streets. Artwork can also include digital and conceptual works such as photographs, videos and computer-generated images.
Creating art is an important way for children and adults to express themselves and explore their imaginations. It has been shown to help develop creativity and problem-solving skills. Viewing art can also stimulate the brain and improve focus, concentration and productivity. Research has shown that a person experiencing a state of flow while viewing art can activate several brain networks including the relaxed reflective state, and the ability to shift between different modes of thinking such as analytical reasoning and imagination.
When examining an artwork, it’s important to consider the artist’s background and historical context. What were the social, political and economic conditions at the time of creation? How did these influence the artwork? Is the work representative of a particular artistic movement, style or period?
It’s also important to consider the subject matter and themes of an artwork. What is the artwork’s message – whether symbolic, decorative or abstract? What emotions does it evoke? What kind of atmosphere does the artwork create? Does the artwork contain any figurative or illustrative imagery that could be perceived as suggestive, controversial or taboo?
The composition and arrangement of an artwork may be formally structured according to specific mathematical proportions or systems (i.e. rule of thirds, golden ratio or spiral; grid format); or the composition may be more asymmetrical, haphazard or chaotic. Does the artwork contain any motifs, elements or symbols that are repeated for ornamental, structural or iconographic purposes? Do these recur throughout the artwork’s design or in the artist’s body of work?
How has the artwork been conceived and executed? Does it contain any symbolic or thematic references to other cultures, languages, histories and traditions? Can you make connections between this work and other artistic fields such as literature, music, film, geography or science?
Consider the scale and format of the artwork – how has it been composed, constructed, sized or framed? How does this relate to its original intention and purpose (i.e. commissioned for sale; commemorative; illustrative; decorative; confrontational; expressive or provocative; utilitarian)?
How does the use of color in the artwork contribute to its meaning or effect (i.e. descriptive or symbolic representation of local color; use of contrast; contrasting colors for emphasis; creating rhythm/pattern/repetition; thematic connections; serial vision; using the technique of chromatic space)?