3.1 Development of an artist

Arts and culture

Grade 9

Critical and creative reflection

Module 10

Development of an artist

VISUAL ART

Activity 1:

To research how influences and circumstances shape the development of an artist

[lo 2.7, 2.11]

Step 1

Before you start your research, your educator will discuss the life and work of the international artist, David Hockney, with you. You will be taking a closer look at the following aspects (record the answers in your journal):

• BACKGROUND OF THE ARTIST
• Where and when was the artist born?
• What were the artist's interests and hobbies as a child?
• Did the artist receive formal art training? If so, where?

• • INFLUENCES ON THE ARTIST
• THE FIFTIES
  • Which styles of art and other artists initially had an influence on the artist?
  • What was the trend in art during those years?
  • What did the artist's work look like initially?
  • Did any historical art event take place? Explain.
• THE SIXTIES
  • Did any personal experiences or events during this period have an influence on the artist? If so, explain.
  • Can any personal characteristics or elements be recognised in the work of the artist? If so, mention them.
  • Describe the style of the artist at this stage.
  • Name any one or more examples of other artforms, like music, which influenced the artist.
  • Which media did the artist use at this stage?

THE SEVENTIES

• Did the progress of fashions and technology influence the artist? If so, explain.
• With which themes did the artist work at in the 70’s?
• Did the artist use the same media as before? If not, explain.
• Name any historical event which influenced the work of the artist.
• How did the artist's interests as a child influence his work later on?

• EXAMPLES OF THE WORK OF THE ARTIST

Study a few examples of the artist's works and explain how circumstances and influences during the years can be seen in his work.

Remember to look at the year in which the work of art was created and then compare it to the events in the life of the artist at that time.

Step 2

The educator will now provide you with a list of artists. Choose the artist whom you would like to research. Use the same format as above to give you direction. Do the task / project in your learner journal. Remember to make a bibliography of all the resources which you used. This is done alphabetically at the end of your project.

R eflection

Think about and reflect on the research process and then answer the following questions:

1. Which resources and reference works were the most valuable to you during your research?

2. Was the information which you found accurate and comprehensive? Why? Why not?

3. Did this approach help you to understand the influences on the artist’s work better? Why? Why not?

Assessment

Learning Outcome(LOs)

LO 2

REFLECTION

The learner will be able to reflect critically and creatively on artistic and cultural processes, product and styles in past and present contexts.

Assessment Standards(ASe)

We know this when the learner:

COMPOSITE

2.3 analyses how cultures affect one another and undergo change;

2.4 discusses the role of technology over time in shaping processes and products in drama, dance, music and art;