american art — final exam

Part One: Short directed identifications. Choose any 4 of the 6. Two slides will be shown at a time; 5 minutes each set.

For each identify the artist, title and style period (or genre), if that is more appropriate. Then, in 2-3 HEALTHY, MEATY sentences answer the question or discuss what you are asked to discuss.

#1 (left) explain the stylistic characteristics that can be linked to the artist's assimilation of two specific media (other than painting) .

#2 (right) explain the stylistic and theoretical significance of the appearance of this work (use a key term for this artist!).

#3 (left) explain the significance of the subject matter from the viewpoint of the stylistic categorization and also the artist's personal view.

#4 (right) discuss the work from the standpoint of subject matter and personal viewpoint of the artist.

#5 (left) explain the stylistic designation, using a key term for this artist that differentiates this type of work from simple "assemblage"

#6 (right) describe the meaning(s) of this work and how these are tied to the artist's working method and the museum exhibition strategy.

Part Two: Compare/Contrast Essays. Choose any 3 of the 4. For each comparison, first identify both slides (artist, title, style period) then answer the question as completely as possible.

#7 (directed) 15 minutes. Compare and contrast the two slides paying particular attention to the issues of (a) stylistic designation (b) the work strategy / personality / theoretical position of the artist.. Identify specific areas of the works that illustrate your points and use your observations to draw a conclusion about the role of each work in a discussion of "American" art .

#8 (directed) 15 minutes. Compare and contrast the two slides paying particular attention to the issues of (a) subject matter (b) any stylistic treatment and (c) issues in American society associated with each period. Identify specific areas of the works that illustrate your points and to draw a conclusion about the reasons for an underlying similarity in effect of these works, despite the different media and treatment.

#9 (freestyle) 15 minutes. Using the two slides shown on the screen, develop an essay that describes what you have determined to be the most important issues posed in this pair, and make sure you actively relate those issues to larger issues of style, purpose, theory, history etc. as relevant.

#10 (freestyle) 15 minutes. Using the two slides shown on the screen, develop an essay that describes what you have determined to be the most important issues posed in this pair, and make sure you actively relate those issues to larger issues of style, purpose, theory, history etc. as relevant.

#11 Extra Credit (up to 10 points) Using specific examples to prove your points, comment on the changes in representation of African Americans both by themselves and by other artists who are not a part of that racial group. What factors lead to changes in African Americans' self-representation? How and why does African American art develop on a "separate track" from the "established" artistic community (at least to the 1960s)?