Year 13 History of Art (Level 3)
Subject Description
Head of Faculty: Ms A. Bade.
History of Art is a study of the historical, social and cultural context of artworks. The subject encourages and enhances effective analysis, communication, research and literacy skills.
Students will learn to analyse stylistic characteristics in artworks, examine meaning, study media and processes in art, explain a theory and it’s role in art and examine the context of an art movement. The area of study is Modernism to Post Modernism 1940-c2000.
Topics covered:
- Abstract Expressionism
- Pop Art
- Modernism in NZ Art
- Woman’s movement and Feminist Art
Learning will include:
Styles:
- Abstraction
- Neo Dada
- Feminism
- Postmodernism
- Abstract Expressionism
- Pop Art
- Realism
- Modernism.
Meanings:
- Place
- Philosophy, spirituality and beliefs
- Identity
- The everyday, popular culture, and consumerism
- Ideas about art.
Contexts:
- Social contexts
- Economic contexts
- Political contexts
- Mass media.
Subject Overview
Term 1
Early Modernism and the context of art in the early 20th Century is explored briefly through the works of the Cubists, Surrealists and Dada artists. An introduction to Kandinsky and Mondrian explores further Abstract concepts in preparation for the main topic of the year, Modernism to Post Modernism. The artworks of Modernist painters like American Social Realist Edward Hopper and Abstract Expressionists Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko are studied in relation to new trends in art as the centre of modern art moves from Paris to New York. As art reflects life, so this course also studies the social, political and the economic environment in relation to each art movement.
Term 2
Neo Dada, a bridge between Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art is studied through the works of Robert Rauschenberg in preparation for the Pop Art Movement. Students explore art and the influence of American pop culture as they learn about the work of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and sculptor Claes Oldenburg, followed by New Zealand’s renowned Pop Artist, Dick Frizzell. The Feminist topic explores the conscious raising artworks of Judy Chicago and Barbara Kruger, highlighting the societal and political differences women experienced in their lives with the goal of bringing a positive understanding, leading to equality and liberation.
Term 3
New Zealand Modernism and Post Modernism dominates this term as students study the influence of American art on New Zealand, beginning with the Feminist painter, Jacqueline Fahey. Internationally renowned painter Colin McCahon enables students to understand abstraction, symbolism and the spirituality of the New Zealand landscape. The first Māori artist to be written into Art History books is Ralph Hotere. The year culminates as students learn about Hotere’s work that speaks out about politics, racism, human rights injustices and environmental concerns from a Māori perspective.
Term 4
Revision and preparation for external examinations.
Prerequisites
Students who have achieved 12 credits in either History of Art or English will find this an advantage, however, entry is open to all students.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Art History 3.1 - Demonstrate understanding of style in art works
NZQA Info
Art History 3.2 - Examine how meanings are communicated through art works
NZQA Info
Art History 3.4 - Examine the impact of media and processes on art works
NZQA Info
Art History 3.7 - Examine the relationship(s) between a theory and art works
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 16
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Possible Careers
Animator/Digital Artist, Actor, Advertising Specialist, Copywriter, Software Developer, Archivist, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Artist, Artistic Director, Film and Video Editor, Entertainer, Fashion Designer, Trainer, Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Communications Professional, Industrial Designer, Event Manager, Jeweller, Curator, Graphic Pre-press Worker, Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Early Childhood Teacher, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Secondary School Teacher,