Contemporary Visual Arts at JCCC

If you have a writing assignment that calls for a description or analysis of a work of art in the Nerman Museum or on campus, make sure to refer to the museum’s educational resources.

Artists might create abstract designs or make references to nature and social issues their work, as they respond to tradition and the changing world around them. New media and experimental processes might challenge our definitions of what art is.

Looking at an individual object

What do you see?

• What visual Elements did the artist use?
• How did the artist compose the elements using Principles of Design?
• How is it similar or dissimilar in style from the works next to it?

How did the artist make it?

• Is the medium traditional or non-traditional?
• Is the process expressive in itself, or is it the resulting image that conveys meaning?
• How is it displayed?

What meaning does the artwork convey?

• Is the work based on reality or imagination?
• In what ways does the artist’s biography help you understand the work?
• What is the social significance of the work?

Thinking about the big picture

How does one make a living as an artist?

• What kind of training and education might an artist complete?
• Where might artists submit their work for exhibition?
• What sources of funding might be available?

How does contemporary art fit within our community?

• What roles do galleries, and dealers play in presenting contemporary art?
• What roles do educators and scholars play in educating the public about contemporary art?
• How might we make visual art more accessible to everyone? 

Look for the ways the artist used the Elements of Art following the Principles of Design. Consider the organization, composition, and style of the work.

Principles of Design

Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, textures, lines, values, and spaces. Balancing elements makes a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are very similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but complimentary (one large object might balance with several small objects). A triangular composition is a classic form of asymmetrical balance with three primary objects or areas of interest. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar (for instance, a flower, a snowflake, or a target has radial balance).

Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention, also called center of interest or focal point. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area may be different in size, color, texture, shape, value, etc. Viewers are naturally drawn to depictions of human and animal faces in a work of art, and these areas may or may not be emphasized.

Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the artwork often to areas of emphasis. Such movement can be directed along linear edges, flowing shapes or analogous colors within the artwork.

Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of regular or irregular movement. A regular rhythm occurs when the intervals between the elements, and often the elements themselves, are similar in size or length. Variety keeps rhythm exciting and active, and entices the viewer’s eyes around the artwork. Rhythm may create a gentle feeling or exuberant mood like music or dance. Rhythm can establish pattern or suggest texture. Pattern is the regular repetition of the same object or symbol all over the artwork or an area of the work.

Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the artwork creating a sense of completeness. The repetition of similar elements of art may create unity within the artwork.

Contrast is the dramatic effect created by opposites: dark and light, bright and dull, large and small, focused and blurry, busy and static, smooth and rough, etc.

Proportion refers to how parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate with each other. Proportion is the comparison of dimensions or distribution of forms. It is the relationship in scale between one element and another, or between a whole object and one of its parts. Differing proportions within a composition can relate to different kinds of balance or symmetry, and can help establish visual weight and depth. Proportion can be natural and balanced, or exaggerated and distorted.

Variety is the use of diverse elements of art to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through the artwork.