Precise and detailed observations of artworks are the cornerstone of art writing. In order to hone this skill, we will spend time visually annotating images three times over the course of the semester. Your annotation is expected to help the viewer understand what ideas an artwork communicates as well as how the work communicates these ideas visually. The goal of this exercise is to encourage close looking, which will help us better understand how and why certain artistic choices may have been made.
Once you have read the background article on this artwork, look at it closely for at least a few minutes. What do you see? What fascinates you most? How does the artwork relate to the culture we have learned about this module? Look at the corners, and where they lead you visually. Look closely at the details, the organization of the image within the work. Everything is there for a reason!
You are expected to write at least 5 to 7 detailed observations about the work. These observations must focus on what you can see, such as line, color, light, handling of paint, material, composition, subject matter, iconography, or another visible element of the work of art. Do not simply focus on the content or subject matter of the art work, or the story it is trying to tell. Your observations must be clear, but they need not be written in complete sentences. If you are not already familiar with the art-historical idea of “visual analysis,” you must watch this video to learn some of the key concepts.You must also read this brief article, “Elements of Art,” to help you get started.
Observations help us interpret a work of art. Your observations should offer some element of interpretation. For example, you may observe that a painting has a warm color palette, using lots of yellows, reds, and oranges. Interpret in a few words what effect that warm color palette may have on the viewer—does it make the space the artist has constructed appear romantic? inviting? mysterious? While your observations are indisputable (they are what you see), your interpretations should be sufficiently contestable, meaning they are up to interpretation (they are how you see).