New to art? Get started with this activity

In this tutorial, we want you to think about how everyday objects and “stuff” can become art. But first, let’s start with the basics of looking at, thinking about, and talking about art. Any visual analysis begins with simply looking at and describing something. So take a look at the work of art below. Take a minute or two to look carefully, zoom in, and let your eyes travel all around the image.

Now using your powers of observation, describe and write down what you see. You can talk about this artwork however you like, but you might want to begin with these concepts:

Composition: How have the elements of this artwork been put together? Is their arrangement logical, or spontaneous and irrational?
Medium: Medium refers to the type of art, like painting or sculpture, as well as the materials an artwork is made from. What is the medium of this artwork? Can you tell which materials were used to make it?
Subject: Can you tell what this artwork might be about? What does the title tell us? Do you think every work of art has a subject?
Or maybe there is some other way you would like to describe this work of art?

For further discussion

Now that you’ve visually explored this work of art, share your thoughts in the Questions area below. Then read the other responses, compare them to your own, and see if someone might inspire you to think about art in a new way.

Remember: art is always open to interpretation, so there are no wrong answers!

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Katey Gordon
Posted 7 years ago. Direct link to Katey Gordon's post “I believe the composition...”
I believe the composition of this is irrational I notice the fine detail in band t looks like satin and fine fabric I don't understand but some the feathers etc. make me think its trying to explain the time frame Renaissance era now the beadwork seem to be of indian culture could it represent a tribe or group I feel kinda lost in this art perhaps the trying to describe it feeling behind the culture also the materials look with gold imprints making me think it has high costs so I am thinking one is explaining a rich culture...
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(2 votes)
Answer
ffmeatball
Posted 4 years ago. Direct link to ffmeatball's post “- Composition: put to ge ...”
- Composition: put to ge their with cloth, no logical, irrational
- Medium : cloth, feather
- Subject : an asia girl sad because of the sexism still exists nowadays
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(1 vote)
Answer
England221bbakerst
Posted 8 years ago. Direct link to England221bbakerst's post “it shows symbols of wealt...”
it shows symbols of wealth
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(1 vote)
Answer