Diversity Through Visual Art 27279 20230915150613

Diversity Through Visual Art / Lesson 1: Introduction to Diversity through Visual Art
Lesson 1: Introduction to Diversity through Visual Art
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Lesson 1 Overview
Watch this video to learn more about what you'll be studying:
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ou=27279&type=lti&rCode=ashworth-593134)
Download transcript(http://lessons.pennfoster.com/savi/transcripts/VID00447_T.pdf)
Overview
In your reading, you'll explore how artists express their culture, beliefs, and values through
different visual art mediums. You'll learn how visual arts are a function of an artist's identity
and culture and how society can deepen its understanding of diversity through the power of
observation.
To start, you'll develop the vocabulary to describe membership in individual and shared
identity groups. You'll also learn to identify art media and interpret an artist's perspective
through visual art forms. The language you'll learn will form a foundation to help you analyze
art through an aesthetic and cultural lens throughout the rest of the course.
At the end of your reading, you'll understand the connection between identity, culture, and
artistic expression. Understanding this will help you evolve your appreciation of diverse
people and their experiences. It'll also help you become a more artistically literate member of
society.
What You'll Learn in this Lesson:

Explain language that describes the membership of identity groups
Identify language that describes the visual arts
Describe the significance of identity and culture in a piece of visual art
Analyze visual art as an expression of identity and culture
Lesson 1 Assignments:
Assignment Format Grading Percent
Multiple choice and multiple response

Section 1 Practice Ungraded
questions

questions

questions
Discussion: Discussing Artistic

Written Response Ungraded
Expression

questions
25% of your final course

Lesson 1 Exam Multiple choice questions
grade

Section 1: The Language of Identity & Culture
Language is a powerful tool for navigating your understanding of art and an artist’s
message about society. Since every artist expresses their cultural identity, beliefs, and
values through their artwork, you’ll need to learn more about the factors that shape an
artist's identity. In your reading, you’ll explore the language of diversity and learn about
artists who represent different identity groups and cultures.
You’ll also learn about the power of careful observation and how observing art can expand
your perspective of people who don’t share your same identity characteristics. Art can be
used to help empathize with people who are different from you. By the end of your reading,
you’ll be able to describe various identity groups to make meaningful connections between
diversity and artistic expression.

Visual Art, Identity, & Culture
Here, you’ll learn about diversity and the power of observation. You’ll also read about the
diverse elements that make up a person’s identity and culture. The skills you develop as a
critical observer are essential for understanding the various social and cultural perspectives
artists provide through their work. By the end of this page, you’ll know the importance of
language for describing identity and culture. This will enhance your understanding of the big
ideas behind different kinds of visual art pieces.
Key Takeaways:
Sharper observation skills can help you appreciate diverse perspectives in art.
Many visible and invisible markers make up an artist’s identity.
Artists communicate ideas about their cultural identity, culture, and values through art.

Observation as Critical Thinking

You live in a highly visual society. Every day, you observe hundreds of images and videos.
They all leave an impression on how you think, so it’s essential to develop critical observation
skills to understand your world better.
Art is a powerful tool for practicing observation skills. At first glance, you may think a work of
art exists to capture the beauty of a person, object, or landscape. But art is a unique
expression of identity, culture, and diverse experiences. It offers you an opportunity to
develop an appreciation of all kinds of different people as a medium for diversity.
Diversity is the practice of inclusion and acceptance of people from a range of different
identities and cultures. You can learn about unique cultures and social experiences across
social classes, ethnicities, and genders through art. Critically observing visual art gives you
an informed appreciation of the beliefs, values, and experiences of people with whom you
have differences.
Visual art includes paintings, sculptures, pottery, textiles, photographs, and prints created to
evoke ideas and emotions. It goes beyond enhancing the appeal of a space. Instead, visual
art offers you a chance to use the eyes of an artist and observe life from another person’s
diverse perspective.
Practicing the skill of observation through visual art can help you overcome biases you might
have about other groups. Visual art teaches you to unlearn the assumptions you make about
people at first glance by challenging you to study beyond the surface of things. Not only will
this course teach you about visual art, it will also teach you to appreciate artists’ diverse
identities and cultures.
Examine at this woodblock print from Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai from 1831. What
can you learn about the artist just by studying his artwork?
The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Katsushika Hokusai, ca. 1831; medium: color woodblock print.

Maybe you notice the sea riled by a storm, creating a massive wave. It catches your attention
because it creates tension for the observer—the artist captured the likeness of a wave just
before it breaks. Later in this course, you’ll learn more about how artists intentionally try to stir
up your emotions.
What else do you notice? Do you also identify the boats filled with rowers clinging desperately
to their oars? Do you notice the mountain in the background?
This scene depicts a traditional Japanese seascape in the popular ukiyo-e style of the time.
The woodblock print is of okinami, or great offshore waves. The image includes the snow-
capped peak of Mount Fuji, which is the symbol of Japan’s national identity. The combination
of natural beauty and fear demonstrates the artist’s reverence for the physical earth. Hokusai
was a Buddhist, a religion shared by many Japanese people. Buddhists deeply respect the
power of Mother Nature. Stopping to notice the little details of Hokusai’s woodblock print
helps you know more about the artist’s point of view as a Buddhist and an ethnically
Japanese person.
This is an example of how observation can help you understand people who don't share all
parts of your identity. Visual art offers you an opportunity to connect with people you may not
otherwise meet. It communicates shared human experiences while also helping you
understand each other's differences.
Observing diverse art sharpens your ability to think critically about your environment and
society. It enhances your relationship with the people that share your world.

Quick Check
An art form that appeals to the eye and is created to evoke ideas and emotions is
visual art. auditory art.
kinesthetic art. olfaction art.

Visible and Invisible Identity Markers

The ideas communicated through visual art often deal with themes of identity. Identity refers
to the various characteristics that make up a person on the inside and outside. Every person
has many different identity markers that come together to create unique individuals and life
experiences. Some of these characteristics are visible, and some are invisible.
Visible Identity
Imagine a person’s identity like an iceberg. The part that sticks out of the water is only a tiny
part of who they are. The observable part of an iceberg is like a person’s visible identity.
Visible identity includes things that are immediately apparent about another person.
Visible identity can include some characteristics

Race
Ethnicity
Gender
Age
Physical attributes
Ability
According to the United States Census, racial categories include:

Black
Indigenous people
Asian
Native Hawaiian
White
Latino/Latina or Hispanic is considered an ethnicity.
Although you can observe things about others, it's important to avoid stereotyping people. A
stereotype is a widely held but oversimplified and harmful idea about a person based on their
identity. You can't always make assumptions based on what’s immediately obvious. Some

artists confront stereotypes head-on in their artwork. They may even challenge observers to
recognize their flaws or change their thinking.
Invisible Identity
The interesting thing about icebergs is that they remain largely hidden underneath the water.
You can’t tell what an iceberg really looks like just by observing the part above the water.
Think about the hidden part of an iceberg like invisible identity. Invisible identity includes the
characteristics that aren’t immediately apparent.
Some characteristics include the following:

Sexual orientation
Nationality
Citizenship status
Socioeconomic status
Class
Religious beliefs
Political affiliations
Personality traits
Although some things about your identity are fixed, such as your ethnicity, other things can
change. For example, your marital status, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or class may
change. It's natural for identity to evolve as your life progresses. Many artists share aspects of
their visible and invisible identity while documenting identity evolutions through their artwork.
Culture
Your culture heavily influences identity. Culture is the blend of language, traditions, religious
beliefs, and history shared between people in a society. Culture affects almost everything
about people. It affects everything from your food choices to your assumptions about how to
behave. Many artists include imagery and symbols that reference their culture in their art.
There are dominant cultures and subcultures in society. A dominant culture includes the
most widely shared practices between people in a society. This consists of the most spoken
language, religious beliefs, and social norms.

Subcultures are groups that share different practices outside of the dominant culture. For
example, in the United States, Jewish and Catholic religious groups are common subcultures
because most Americans identify as Protestant.
Some visual art challenges the dominant culture. It also highlights important aspects of the
subcultures to which artists belong. Many of the artists you’ll learn about in this course belong
to important subcultures that share different ethnicities, religions, or sexual orientations.
Each person can belong to many cultural and identity groups at the same time. But sharing an
identity or culture doesn't necessarily mean that you share the same beliefs, experiences, or
values. For example, no two female artists have the exact same message in their artwork.
People who belong to the same gender identity group may have different races, classes, or
religious beliefs. These overlapping aspects of identity, such as gender and race, are called
intersectionality.
External Reference(https://www.youtube.com/embed/cvb49-Csq1o?wmode=opaque)
Apple — Inclusion & Diversity — Open
In this video, you’ll learn more about Apple’s culture and the steps it’s taking to ensure its
employees represent all people and their diverse backgrounds.
Length: 2 minutes 3 seconds

Quick Check
What includes the most widely shared practices between people in a society? This consists of
the most spoken language, religious beliefs, and social norms.
Visible identity Subcultures
Dominant culture Invisible identity

Samuel Joseph Brown

Artists create visual art pieces based on their unique identities, cultures, and experiences. By
observing visual art with care, you can better understand how diverse groups experience and
navigate society.
At first glance, this painting may appear to be a simple portrait of a man looking in the mirror.
But now that you understand the power of observation, try taking a closer examination. What
perspective can you gain from looking through the artist's eyes?
Self-Portrait, Samuel Joseph Brown, Jr., ca. 1941; medium: watercolor, charcoal, and graphite on paper.
Making Observations
What can you easily observe about the man in the painting?
He is a young Black male, dressed in a modern collared shirt, tie, and sweater. He gazes into
the mirror at his reflection, resulting in an image that features two Browns. Some dark,
indistinct interior surrounds him. Rather than paint in colors that are true to life, he's decided
to express himself through shades of blue.
Making Inferences
What critical observations help you uncover what lies beneath the surface?
During the 1940s, Black people faced unimaginable challenges, including racial discrimination
and violence. They couldn’t vote, and they were segregated from white society. Most Black
people were still recovering from the devastating cultural and financial effects of the Great
Depression. In addition, the nation was lingering on the brink of World War II.
The details of Brown’s outfit convey his position in a respectable class despite the everyday
financial struggles of many Black people during this time. The dual images of Brown and the
overall moody tone created by the blue palette of the painting capture Brown’s inner turmoil

about the unfair treatment of Black people and the instability of the world around him.
Putting Observations Together

What does it tell us about the artist’s perspective?
The artist contemplates his reflection in the mirror. But his reflection doesn't gaze back at him.
Instead, it stares back at you, the observer. As you form your opinions and study him, he
studies you. Although this is a self-portrait, the artist isn't entirely focused on self-perception.
He's also interested in making an ideological and emotional impact on the observer.
Study the way the subject is positioned in the mirror carefully. Brown breaks the rules of real-
world physics by positioning his reflection to gaze outward. In doing so, he confronts you as
the observer. He’s suggesting that you don’t hold all the power, that he judges you as you
judge him. He’s using his position as the artist to defy the social norms of the dominant
culture. To some, this might cause a certain level of discomfort. To others, it may provoke
intrigue.
How do you interpret his gaze? Is he captivated by you? Is he challenging you? The answer
depends on your personal identity, culture, and position in society. There’s no correct answer
—the intent is to inspire self-awareness in his observer. Such is how artists leverage their art
to share their complex personal identities, cultures, and ideas about society.

Quick Check
In Self-Portrait, the artist is looking in the mirror. Where is the reflection looking?
At the artist At the observer
At nothing Behind the artist

Artists and Artworks

The following artists or pieces were discussed briefly in this reading. Select each to
learn more. You won’t be graded on this additional information.
Katsushika Hokusai(https://www.katsushikahokusai.org/biography.html)
Samuel Joseph Brown(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Joseph_Brown_Jr.)

4. Practice: Artists, Identity, & Culture
Open Link

Section 2: Identifying Visual Art
Knowing the different modes of expression and methods of visual art helps you gain a
deeper understanding of the story artists tell through their artwork. It helps you understand
the artist's intention, and it allows you to share your thoughts and feelings about the
artwork with others.
In your reading, you'll learn to identify and describe different visual art types. You'll also
practice interpreting the intended effect of works of art by using your skills as a critical
observer. By the end of your reading, you'll be able to identify and describe the various
mediums and materials of visual artwork.

Media, Materials, and Methods of Visual Art
On this page, you’ll learn how to identify and describe visual art. Understanding what exactly
you’re observing helps give the work meaning. You’ll acquire new language to identify and
describe types of visual artwork by taking a closer examination of the media, materials, and
methods used to compose a work of art.
You’ll consider how the power to critically observe different art mediums enhances your
experience with diverse cultures and identity groups. You'll continue digging beyond the
surface of art to spot themes and commentary about identity and culture that emerge through
observation. When you know the common language used to describe visual art, you can
better appreciate the experiences communicated by diverse groups of artists.
Key Takeaways:
Traditional two-dimensional paintings and drawings are observed by height and width. They’re created using oil
paints, acrylics, watercolors, charcoal, pastels, chalk, pencils, and ink.
Three-dimensional works of art can be observed through height, width, and depth. These include sculptures and
installations made from carved wood, castings, glass, ceramic, or manufactured materials assembled.
Other popular forms of visual art include textiles, photography, digital art, and mixed media.

Painting and Drawing

There are many different surfaces and materials on which artists paint and draw. One popular
surface is canvas, or strong, coarse cloth stretched across a frame. Paintings and drawings
are two-dimensional, meaning they have height and width but not depth. Artists use creative
techniques involving color, shadow, and lines to create an illusion of depth in their paintings
and drawings.
Acrylic Painting
Acrylic paints are fast drying compared to oils. Artists can add thick layers of acrylics to their
canvas to create texture. They can also dilute the colors with water to give them a thin,
translucent effect. Acrylics allow artists to develop texture, glossiness, matte effects, and
depth in their paintings. Artists use large and small paintbrushes, sponges, or palette knives
to create work with paints for added textural impact.
Oil Painting
Oil paints are smooth, buttery textured paints that have been used to make art for centuries.
They’re made from mixing dry powder and oil from colorful natural elements such as crushed
nuts, flowers, or seeds. Oils tend to be thick and slow drying, giving artists the ability to blend
color and add many layers of texture to their work.
The Weeping Willows on the Lily Pond at Giverny, Blanche Hoschedé-Monet, ca. 1895; medium: oil on canvas.
Study this nineteenth-century oil painting by Blanche Hoschedé-Monet, a French painter and
the daughter-in-law of painter Claude Monet. Examine carefully, and you’ll notice the expertly
controlled elements of light and complexity of texture in everything from the lily pads to the
weeping willow leaves. Hoschedé-Monet’s mentor and father-in-law often overshadowed her
own talent, even though she had an equally stunning command of color and technique.

Pastels
Pastels are popular because they have a visual effect like paints. However, they’re not wet
like paint. Instead, they’re pure colored pigment mixed with a binding agent that forms a
potent stick of color. Artists like pastels because they can be used for blending or layering
colors, especially if they’re water-soluble. Since pastels can be held like a pencil, artists also
use pastels to create fine lines and shadows.
Watercolors
Watercolors are thin, allowing artists to capture a wide range of the color spectrum in their
work. Watercolors can be challenging because they’re entirely transparent, meaning there’s
little room to layer color or create texture. Many artists who work with watercolors enjoy the
enhanced ability to capture an impression of light and shadow.
Ink
Ink and pens have several uses in the world of visual art. Many artists use ink to create
delicate hand lettering or calligraphy art. There are dozens of different ink pens, such as
fountain pens or drafting pens, that serve as the primary tools for using ink. Because ink
stains most surfaces, artists must be extremely careful with every move. The beauty of many
ink creations is the ratio of blank space to ink on paper.
"Not" (Misery), Käthe Kollwitz, ca. 1897; medium: black ink on paper.
German artist Käthe Kollwitz is remembered for her emotional ink sketches, among other
mediums. She emphasized emotion and focused on themes like mother and child. Kollwitz's
scenes are evocative, depicting poverty, social injustice, and loss.
Charcoal
Though some artists use charcoal for preliminary sketches, charcoal can also stand alone as
its own art form. Made from natural materials like vines and binding gum, charcoal is a
medium popular for its ability to create intense areas of light and shadow. Because of this,
many artists enjoy using charcoal to create an illusion of depth.
Graphite Pencils and Colored Pencils

Graphite pencils are often used to help artists formulate creative ideas. Like charcoal, they
can also stand alone as a visual art form. Graphite pencils are excellent for outlining and
shading objects. Colored pencils have several advantages as well. They give artists the
ability to create scenes with deep, luminescent, and expressive color relationships. Some
artists use colored pencils to create visual art stunningly close to a realistic photograph.

Quick Check
What are pretty thin and allow artists to capture a wide range of the color spectrum in their
work?
Charcoal Watercolors
Ink Pastels

Sculptures and 3D Artwork

Visual art that can be observed in width, height, and depth dimensions is considered three-
dimensional. There are many kinds of 3D visual art forms. Many pieces of art in this category
have deep religious and cultural significance to the artists that create them. Some 3D forms of
art use techniques involving color and shadow, but others rely more heavily on shape, texture,
and symbolism to make their impact on the observer.
Sculpture
Artists have been creating sculptures for various purposes since the BCE era. Some
sculptures are created by chipping or carving materials into desired shapes. Others are cast
in molds, modeled by hand, blown by fire, or constructed by assembling various materials.
Sculpture includes these categories:

Free-standing sculpture - Observers can experience the object from any angle. Examples of free-standing
sculptures include pottery, religious idols, and statues.
Bas relief – This is a slightly carved out portion of an otherwise flat material that stands out from the background.
High relief – This is a prominently carved-out portion of a material that stands out significantly against the
background.
Relief of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II and the Goddess Hathor, From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Temple of Mentuhotep II, ca.
2010–2000 B.C; medium: limestone and paint.
This ancient Egyptian bas relief dating back to 2010 BCE was taken from the tomb of King
Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II. His people adored him for uniting the country after a time of
division. The relief demonstrates balance that includes the king’s image (left) and inscriptions
about the legacy of his reign. The ancient Egyptian goddess Hatho (right) was chiseled away
as religious practices changed over time.
Many experts believe that historical sculptures discovered across the globe held roles in
cultural rituals and ceremonies. Examine this nineteenth-century sculpture from the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Nkisi Nkondi (male figure), Democratic Republic of Congo or Cabinda (Angola), Kongo artist and nganga, ca. late 1800s-early 1900s; medium:
wood, metalized glass, iron, organic material, ivory or plastic, and natural fiber.
This sculpture was created using natural clays and was then pierced with objects such as
nails, blades, and screws. Angolian sculptors carved it to host ancestral spirits. The now-
vacant stomach chamber once held empowering materials that transformed the sculpture into
a spiritually active host.
When colonization began ravaging peoples across the continent of Africa in the nineteenth
and twentieth centuries, the creators of these sculptures disempowered them by removing the
spiritual materials in the stomach chamber. They did this before Europeans could claim
possession of them. Such is the case with this empty sculpture.
From the mirrored eyes to the stomach chamber that once held spiritually charged materials,
the nkisi nkondi exemplifies how visual art has historically served cultural and spiritual
purposes. Pieces like this sculpture allow observers to empathize with the unjust experiences
of those being colonized. The disempowerment of religious sculptures was a defensive action
to protect the belief systems and cultural practices threatened by the forced spread of
European culture.
Installation
Three-dimensional, multi-sensory installation art is visual art that combines audiovisual
effects and various materials. Installations are created as experiential moments that envelop
your senses beyond the means of a single image or sculpture. One popular form of
installation art is light installation art, which combines light and sculpture to produce
exaggerated movement and shadows for a powerful effect. Artists often use them to make
social and political statements.

Quick Check
Which sculpture category is a slightly carved out portion of an otherwise flat material that
stands out from the background?
Bas relief High relief
Free-standing sculpture Installation art

Other Forms of Visual Art
Textiles
Textile art, or art created from silk, wool, and other synthetic fibers, is another visual art form
deeply rooted in cultural significance. Textiles can include practical or decorative objects such
as wall hangings, rugs, or textile sculptures. Methods of creating textile art include weaving,
sewing, crocheting, embroidery, or knitting.
Flowers, Birds, and Profile Animal Mola Panel, Republic of Panama, Guna People, ca. the 1900s; media: cotton and embroidery.
This embroidered panel, for example, captures the distinctive, whimsical cultural identity that
the Guna people of Panama have cultivated for centuries. Many such panels are hand-sewn
into women’s blouses known as molas.
Photography & Film

Photography is an art medium that formed alongside the evolution of technology. Unlike
sculpture or painting, photography as an art form has only been around since the 1800s. At
first, it was used to preserve artfully composed portraits of people and their families.
Photography as a visual art form has since evolved to incorporate complex artistic principles.
Many types of cameras, lenses, and setting parameters affect how observers perceive the
image. Black-and-white photography developed into film, and today, film and photography
have evolved to include color, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and special effects. All of
this technology expands the possibilities of artistic expression.

There are several different kinds of photography, including:

Portrait photography – As the earliest use of photography, portrait photographs quickly replaced portrait painting
to capture human likeness.
Documentary photography – This captures significant moments in history for emotional and ideological effect.
Landscape photography - Artists with a particular focus on the environment capture images of natural and urban
surroundings using carefully crafted compositions.
Digital photography - Whereas photographers once had to develop their photographs in a dark room, digital
technology allows a new world of artistic possibility for creating visual art with the help of software and editing
programs.
Printmaking
Printmaking is when artists produce an impression of an image onto a surface. Popular types
of printmaking include woodcuts (like Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave), engravings,
etchings, and lithography.
Apples in Basket, Marsden Hartley, ca. 1923; medium: lithograph on paper.
In this 1923 print from artist Marsden Hartley, you can observe the clarity in markings and
areas of dramatic tone that are achieved through lithography.
Digital Art
Digital art is created or enhanced using software technology. It includes everything from pixel
art to 3D digital sculpture. Some artists even use digital art tools to alter or refine works of art
created on canvas or paper. Artists can mix techniques, change images, and eliminate the
need for physical art materials. Digital art can be made from devices, including laptops and
tablets. Specialized graphics tablets come with pen tablets and pen displays for creating
digital drawings and paintings.
Mixed Media Art

Mixed media art comes from the idea that artists can transform any number of materials into
an evocative piece of visual art. Pablo Picasso, a Spanish artist who rose to fame in the
twentieth century, was one of the first to use alternative materials and everyday objects to
make art. Collages, or art pieces made from paper, magazine clippings, cloth, or newspaper,
are a popular form of mixed media artwork. Some artists even create digital collages online.
Untitled (Victorian Collage), Unidentified, ca. 1880-1890; medium: collage on paperboard.
This Victorian-era collage depicts life from the perspective of an upper-class domestic woman
in the nineteenth century. Long before avant-garde artists like Henri Matisse made collages
popular, Victorian women experimented with photo collages. The compositions are often
fantastical and experimental, challenging the more serious conventions of photography that
existed at the time.

Quick Check
What art medium formed alongside the evolution of technology and has only been around since
the 1800s?
Graphic design Sculpting
Videography Photography


Blanche Hoschedé-Monet(http://artgiverny.com/?q=en/content/blanche-hosched%C3%A9-monet-1865-1947)
Käthe Kollwitz(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/kollwitz-kathe/life-and-legacy/)
Relief of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II and the Goddess Hathor(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/548212)
Nkisi Nkondi (male figure)(https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2010.432)
Flowers, Birds, and Profile Animal Mola Panel(https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2021.154)
Marsden Hartley(https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1375.html)
Untitled (Victorian Collage)(https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/untitled-victorian-collage-32756)

6. Practice: Describing Media, Materials, and Methods of

Visual Art
Open Link

Section 3: Visual Art Across Cultures & Experiences
In your reading, you’ll blend your understanding of identity and culture with your knowledge
of visual art mediums. Combining these areas of comprehension will allow you to better
understand how art communicates diverse beliefs and experiences. You’ll start by learning
about expressions of identity through sculpture, including traditional glassmaking and
pottery practices. Then, you’ll learn about the emotionally evocative qualities of painting.
Finally, you’ll apply critical observation skills to study focus artist Amrita Sher-Gil. You’ll
notice firsthand how artists express their cultural and social experiences through visual art.

Expressions Through Sculpture and Painting
In this reading, you’ll learn how to interpret elements of diverse identities and cultures through
different types of visual art mediums.
Artists develop big ideas about who they are through their artwork. Learning to interpret diverse
artists’ big ideas connects you with people who don’t share your same identity markers. This skill
helps you overcome bias, stereotypes, and assumptions about others. Once you learn to experience
art beyond your first impression of someone or something, your understanding of the world changes
profoundly. Visual art challenges you to connect details and draw out big ideas based on what you
observe.
Up until now, you may have approached visual art passively. However, the careful observation skills
you'll learn in this course will help you actively analyze a work of visual art. Eventually, you’ll be able
to translate human experiences across cultures and identity groups.
Key Takeaways:
Traditional sculpture techniques, such as glassmaking and pottery, offer meaningful insight into diverse cultures worldwide.
Painting is a medium that gives artists a chance to communicate elements of their identity and life experiences that evoke
strong emotional reactions.
Artists like Amrita Sher-Gil use art to communicate perspectives on different cultural practices and traditions.
Expressions of Identity & Culture Through Sculpture

Pottery and glassblowing are two important sculptural forms that hold rich cultural significance
worldwide. Through critical observation, you can better understand the artists who create these
sculpture pieces. Studying culturally significant artwork gives you insights into the beliefs and
experiences across identities and cultures.
Glassmaking
Artisans from the Middle East to the Roman Empire have been perfecting the visual art form of
glassblowing for centuries. Glassmaking is a process that involves shaping molten glass into
different shapes and sizes. It’s often used to create decorative items such as vases, bowls, and
ornaments. In the past, it was also used to create spiritual objects such as beads and amulets. Glass
objects were used as everyday household items and traded as luxury goods.
Glassmakers across Europe and Asia were heavily influenced by the BCE-era glassmakers of the
Middle East due to political, social, and religious Arabic conquests. Islamic glass is dynamic in form.
Glassmaking includes the following types of methods:

Undecorated blown vessels
Mosaic glass
Mold-blown glass
Hot-worked glass
Cut and engraved glass
Painted glass objects

Glass Bowl in Millefiori Technique, made in probably Iraq, ca. 9th century; medium: glass, green, opaque yellow, and opaque red mosaic; fused, slumped,
ground, and polished, applied foot.
Examine the glass bowl pictured here. It was created in ninth-century Iraq using a sophisticated
technique called millefiori. This technique originated in Baghdad and Samarra. Millefiori is an
ornamental glass pattern that’s a type of mosaic glassware. It’s characterized by a flowerlike design.
The pattern is created by heating a bundle of thin glass rods of different colors until they fuse
together. Surviving bowls like these suggest they were used as furnishings and decorations for high-
class members of society.
Pottery
Pottery describes pots and objects created with clay and other ceramic materials, fired at high
temperatures to give them a hard and durable form.
Major pottery types include the following:

Earthenware
Stoneware
Porcelain
Ceramic
Many ancient people ranging from the Americas to Egypt and China had distinctive styles of pottery
creation. Critically observing these styles gives you insight into these different cultures' unique
lifestyles and beliefs. Some artists use pottery to preserve elements of their culture through art. One
example of such an artist is Maria Martinez.
Ceramic pot, Maria Martinez, ca. 1945; medium: matte-on-gloss blackware.

As an Indigenous artist descended from the Pueblo people, Martinez created pottery throughout her
lifetime to celebrate and reflect her heritage. She made traditional ceramics like this ceramic pot to
preserve the Pueblo people’s legacy of fine artwork and crafts.
Can you spot the symbols that represent suns and mountains decorating the pot? These symbols
have both cultural and geographical significance of the Pueblo people, who traditionally occupy
Arizona and Texas's hot, mountainous landscape.
This ancient Egyptian wine jar is another example of a culturally significant piece of pottery.
Decorated with floral garlands that represent funeral feasts, this piece of pottery was buried along
with its owner, Sennedjem. Pots, jars, and other household objects found in ancient Egyptian tombs
held religious and spiritual meaning. The ancient Egyptians believed their dead would require the
use of these objects in the afterlife. Some ceramic pots also had spiritually symbolic meanings.
Jar from the tomb of Sennedjem, Jar from the tomb of Sennedjem, reign of Ramesses II, ca. 1279–1213 BCE; medium: painted red pottery.

Quick Check
What process involves shaping molten glass into different shapes and sizes?
Pottery Ceramic
Porcelain Glassmaking

Expressions of Identity and Culture Through Painting

Painting is another medium that offers important insights into the beliefs and experiences of diverse
artists. Artists can express powerful emotional messages through the bold, colorful spectrum
provided by paints like oils and watercolors.
Expressionism in Oils
Crafted using a blend of pastels and oils, The Scream by Edvard Munch is the second-most iconic
visual art image in the world (after the Mona Lisa).
The Scream, Edvard Munch, ca. 1893; medium: oil, tempera, and pastel on cardboard.
The clear, fine lines of the pastels are blended with oil paints to create a fiery sky and swirling
aquatic landscape. The artist takes advantage of the bold possibilities for color and movement
provided by pastels to create a warped, panicked perspective. The screaming figure is wildly
distorted, its eyes and mouth wide with terror.
Not only do you understand the screaming figure to be distressed, but the figure cries for help in
your direction. It gazes directly into your eyes, creating a heightened sense of anxiety. The style,
called expressionism, creates a highly emotional experience. It was popularized in the late 1800s.
The artist succeeds in communicating his personal mental health struggles through his expressionist
style. Notice the figures walking away from the screaming subject in the distance. This detail helps
the artist communicate the common sense of isolation shared by those who have mental health
conditions.
Another artist who used oil paints to capture his unique experiences was Arshile Gorky. As a young
Armenian boy living in Turkey, he stood by helplessly while he watched his mother starve to death.
Her death was one of many brought on by the Ottoman Turkish Empire’s attempt to exterminate the
Armenian population. This is also known as the Armenian genocide.
The Artist and His Mother, Arshile Gorky, ca. 1926– c. 1936; medium: oil on canvas.
Years later, Gorky migrated to the United States with a photograph of himself (age 8) and his mother
taken in 1912 among his few possessions. The picture served as the inspiration for The Artist and
His Mother, which took Gorky 15 years to complete. His poetic, abstract style uses warm, natural
colors and an abstract expressionist style to evoke feelings of nostalgia and grief.

Traditions in Watercolor
Examine this 1400s watercolor and ink illustration of a popular story from the Quran called “Jonah
and the Whale.” This piece of art is attributed to a Muslim artist in Iran during the fifteenth century.
The artist uses watercolors to create a beautiful foundation of color, light, and shadow. The ink is
then used to create distinctive lines on the waves, fish, and men. Such illustrations were often used
throughout Iran in the Middle Ages for oral storytelling or to create traditional wall paintings.
"Jonah and the Whale", Folio from a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles), Attributed to Iran, ca. 1400; medium: ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and
silver on paper.
Over four hundred years later, in the 1800s, French artist Berthe Morisot used watercolors to create
paintings with a free, yet delicate style called impressionism. Impressionism is a style of art that
became popular in the 1860s and features mosaic-like brush strokes that play with light conditions.
In a time when men shaped the dominant perspective in impressionist art, Morisot offered a rare
feminine point of view. Her work focused primarily on the day-to-day domestic activities of middle-
class women of her time, such as motherhood and children.
The Artist's Sister, Edma, with Her Daughter, Jeanne, Berthe Morisot, ca. 1872; medium: watercolor over graphite on laid paper.

Quick Check
What is a style of art that became popular in the 1860s and features mosaic-like brush strokes that
play with light conditions?
Expressionism Baroque
Cubism Impressionism

Focus Artist: Amrita Sher-Gil
Three Girls
Study this oil painting by Hungarian-Indian artist Amrita Sher-Gil carefully. To someone who’s
untrained, it may appear that the artist has simply captured the likeness of three people. But try
using your power of observation to get to the bottom of what complex cultural and social perspective
Sher-Gil is trying to share.
Three Girls, Amrita Sher-Gil, ca. 1935; medium: oil on canvas.
Start by making surface-level observations. What are the most apparent details the artist wants you
to notice? The focus of the painting is three young Indian women. They wear traditional, colorful
Indian saris. They sit together in an indiscernible environment. Each woman silently gazes off out of
the frame into the distance.
Try to uncover more beneath the surface of the painting. Put together the clues left by Sher-Gil. As
you focus on each woman’s expression, you realize that they’re somber. They seem defeated. Their
bright clothing makes their dark, gloomy demeanor stand out even more.
You can tell the women aren't looking at anything in particular by following the line of each of their
gazes. They seem deep in thought, contemplating a fate that rests out of their hands. Their mouths
are closed, suggesting they accept their sacrifice without protest.
Although Sher-Gil shared the women's Indian heritage, she studied in Europe throughout much of
her early adulthood. When she returned to India, her perspective on social norms and gender
expectations had changed. She observed considerable differences between the freedoms that
women on her travels enjoyed and the rigid expectations society placed on South Asian women.
Three Girls combines elements of unique identity and shared human emotions, like sadness, to
reveal Sher-Gil’s perspective. By carefully crafting her creative vision, the artist invites you to share
her immense compassion and take note of the unfair experiences endured by women in her society.
Self-Portrait
Amrita Sher-Gil traveled to Europe with her mother at just sixteen to train as a painter in Paris. As a
young woman working under the influence of European painters, she quickly developed a unique
artistic perspective. She was said to have artistic conviction and maturity that was impressive for
someone so young. Though her style became more reflective of her Indian heritage by the end of
her short career, she was at first heavily influenced by Western styles of painting.

Self-portrait (untitled), Amrita Sher-Gil, ca. 1931; medium: oil on canvas.
In this untitled self-portrait of Sher-Gil from 1931, you can observe the French influence on her
sense of identity and expression. She wears a yellow beret representative of Parisian fashion trends
of the time. Even her painting style is different from the flatter, more modern composition used in
Three Girls. Here, Sher-Gil’s expression is serious and focused. Her contemporaries' European
modernist style heavily influenced this earlier self-portrait. You can recognize how her life experience
in Europe became part of her identity, style, and outlook on society by carefully observing the detail
in her self-portrait.

Quick Check
What item of clothing does Amrita Sher-Gil include in her self-portrait that was influenced by her time
in France?
A dress Lipstick
A yellow beret Earrings


The following artists or pieces were discussed briefly in this reading. Select each to learn more. You won’t be graded on this additional i
Glass Bowl in Millefiori Technique(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/454030)
Maria Martinez(https://nmwa.org/art/artists/maria-martinez/)
Jar from the tomb of Sennedjem(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/551117)
Edvard Munch(https://www.edvardmunch.org/biography.jsp)
Arshile Gorky(https://www.arshilegorkyfoundation.org/artist/biography)
"Jonah and the Whale", Folio from a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles)
(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/453683#:~:text=built%20with%20ACNLPatternTool-,%22Jonah%20and%20the%20Whale%22%2C%20Folio%20from%20a%20Jami%20al,1400&text=The%20sto
Berthe Morisot(https://www.barnesfoundation.org/whats-on/morisot)
Amrita Sher-Gil(https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/20/obituaries/amrita-shergil-dead.html)

8. Reflection: Reflecting on Artistic Expression
Open Link

9. Practice: Cultures & Experiences
Open Link

Section 4: Visual Art as Cultural and Historical Storytelling
In this reading, you’ll analyze art as a function of tradition among ancient and modern-day
cultures. From the Great Sphinx of ancient Egypt to the distinctive pottery styles of ancient
China, studying visual art from centuries past offers rich cultural and historical insight.
The traditions and values that existed long ago influence cultural descendants that live in
the world today. Next, you’ll learn about the Japanese ukiyo-e style that profoundly
impacted the evolution of visual art across the globe. By studying the ukiyo-e woodblock
prints, you’ll gain insight into everyday people's experiences from other cultures and
centuries. Finally, you’ll explore folk art as a traditional practice that communicates critical
perspectives on subcultures worldwide.
While you may relate to some of the visual stories you study, you’ll also practice
empathizing with people that don’t share your life experiences or cultural practices.

Ancient Cultural Art & Folk Art
On this page, you’ll learn how visual art offers a window into the past. You’ll practice critically
observing ancient and traditional works of art to understand diverse cultures. Many cultures
have traditions rooted in creating visual art. By analyzing the pieces on this page, you’ll learn
more about the religious beliefs and cultural practices that came before you and helped define
global cultures as you know them today. From ancient Egypt to Papua New Guinea, you’ll
explore a wide variety of artistic media that offers meaningful insight into people’s lives,
experiences, and practices worldwide.
Key Takeaways:
Critically observing ancient art helps you appreciate the cultures that came before you. It gives you a better
understanding of the people and traditions that thrive today.
The Japanese visual art style of ukiyo-e was so profound that it influenced artists across time and geography. It
remains a popular style to this day.
Folk art is a fine art form that exists as a tradition among cultures. It often depicts powerfully symbolic images and
utilizes materials that are readily available to the artists, such as willow branches.

Ancient Traditions in Visual Art

How do societies today understand the cultures and traditions of communities from thousands
of years ago? One of the best ways to gain an appreciation for the cultures that came before
you is to critically examine pieces of ancient artwork.
Ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptians were a fascinating culture, and their artwork is some of the most
impressive in the world. Their paintings, sculptures, and architecture are still studied today for
their beauty and intricacy.
One of the most iconic pieces of ancient Egyptian visual art is the Great Sphinx of Giza. This
massive sculpture is one of the most famous in the world, and scholars have studied it for
centuries. The Sphinx is a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It’s
believed to represent the strength and power of the Egyptian pharaohs. The Sphinx is in the
Giza pyramid complex, which also includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World.
Great Sphinx of Giza, reign of King Khafre, ca. 2575–c. 2465 BCE; medium: limestone.
Another famous example of culturally significant ancient Egyptian art is the death mask of
King Tutankhamun. The Egyptian pharaoh, who was only 19 years old when he died, was
buried with elaborate funerary rights according to the religion of his culture. His tomb was
filled with incredible treasures, including gold statues and jewel-encrusted furniture. However,
many people consider King Tut’s death mask the most stunning treasure of all.

Mask of Tutankhamun, reign of Tutankhamun, ca. 1323 BCE; medium: gold, lapis lazuli, carnelian, obsidian, turquoise, and glass paste.
Ancient China
Ancient Chinese art is some of the most fascinating in the world. It tells stories of a different
time and allows a glimpse into the culture and daily life of Chinese people who lived centuries
ago.
Qinghua pottery is a unique form of Chinese art that has been around for centuries. This
pottery is characterized by its beautiful and intricate designs, which often depict scenes from
nature or symbols of traditional Chinese culture. Qinghua pottery is made from a particular
type of clay found in China, and this clay gives the pottery its distinctive color and texture.

Jar With Dragon, unknown Chinese artist, ca. early 15th century; medium: cobalt blue on porcelain.
Qinghua pottery has a long and rich history, dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-905 AD).
This type of pottery was initially created for use in the imperial palace, and it didn’t become
available to the public until many years later. Qinghua pottery reached its height of popularity
during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD), when it was used to create various items, including
vases, bowls, plates, and even jewelry. Today, Qinghua pottery is still made using traditional
methods and is highly prized by collectors and art lovers alike.
Ancient Aztecs
The Aztecs were a highly creative people, and their art reflected this. They created everything
from monumental sculptures to delicate gold jewelry. Much of their art was used for religious
purposes, as it was believed to be a way of communicating with the gods. One of the most
common types of Aztec art is pottery. Aztec potters created a variety of vessels, including
vases, plates, and bowls. They were often decorated with intricate designs and colorful
patterns representing their religious beliefs.

Bowl with image of Xochiquetzal, culture: Nahua, ca. 1400-1520; medium: ceramic with orange and dark red slip.
This ceramic drinking bowl was found in the tomb of an important Aztec ruler. It’s decorated
with beautiful designs, and it features the figure of an Aztec goddess. She wears a floral
crown and holds tobacco, a substance used for ritual offerings.

Quick Check
In Bowl with image of Xochiquetzal, what's the Aztec goddess wearing?
A dress Sandals
A bracelet A floral crown

Ukiyo-e: Pictures of the Floating World

Ukiyo-e is a popular Japanese art movement that originated in the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries. The term ukiyo-e means "pictures of the floating world." This movement
was characterized by its beautiful and colorful woodblock prints. Ukiyo-e artists sought to
capture the beauty of everyday life in their works, and they often depicted scenes from
Japanese culture and history.
Ukiyo-e began in the city of Edo (now Tokyo) in the early seventeenth century. During that
time, the city was a bustling metropolis with a large population of merchants and samurai. The
merchant class was particularly fond of ukiyo-e, as it allowed them to escape the drudgery of
their everyday lives.
Ukiyo-e reached the height of its popularity in the eighteenth century. This was partly due to
the rise of popular culture in Edo and the growing interest in Japanese art and culture among
Westerners. The influence of ukiyo-e can still be seen in many aspects of Western culture.
For example, Vincent van Gogh’s work was heavily influenced by ukiyo-e, as he was
fascinated by the colors and compositions of these works.
Hishikawa Moronobu
Hishikawa Moronobu was a Japanese artist who’s considered the founder of ukiyo-e
woodblock printing. He was born in 1684 and died in 1728. Ukiyo-e is a genre of art that
flourished in Japan during the Edo period, and it’s characterized by its use of bright colors and
bold lines. Moronobu was one of the first artists to specialize in this type of painting, and he
helped to popularize it among the public.
Two Young Samurai, Hishikawa Moronobu, ca. 1680; medium: woodblock print; ink and color on paper.
Moronobu's work often depicted scenes from everyday life, such as women engaged in
domestic tasks or men enjoying a leisurely chess game. These works helped establish ukiyo-
e as a legitimate form of art, and they continue to be highly prized by collectors today.

Kitagawa Utamaro
Kitagawa Utamaro was a Japanese artist who’s considered the master of the floating world.
He was born in 1753 and died in 1806. His art focused on the beauty of everyday life, and
he’s mainly known for his prints and paintings of women. Many of his works are considered
some of the most beautiful pieces of Japanese art ever created.
Utamaro's work profoundly influenced the ukiyo-e genre, and he is credited with helping to
develop the yōga style of painting. He also had a significant impact on Western art, and many
famous artists collected his work, including Vincent van Gogh.
Bathtime (Gyōzui), Kitagawa Utamaro, ca. 1801; medium: woodblock print; ink and color on paper.
Utamaro took a great deal of inspiration from the lives of ordinary people. In Bathtime, he
depicts a mother hard at work bathing her son. He grasps a little toy water bucket, echoing
the activity in the bath and demonstrating how his mother instructs him in the bathing rituals.
These woodblock prints served as the inspiration for a series of prints by the later Western
impressionist artist Mary Cassatt.

Quick Check
What term means "pictures of the floating world”?
Folk art Ukiyo-e
Expressionism Impressionism

Folk Art as Cultural Tradition
Harriet Powers
Harriet Powers was born in Georgia in 1837. She was an enslaved person for most of her life,
but she learned how to read and write. After she was freed, she married and had children. In
the 1880s, she began making quilts, a visual art form that falls under the textile category. She
used traditional African American designs, motifs, and Bible stories to create her quilts.
They’re not only beautiful works of art; they tell powerful stories about African American
history and culture.
Pictorial quilt, Harriet Powers, ca. 1895-1898; medium: cotton plain weave, pieced, appliqued, embroidered, and quilted..
Powers' quilts were very popular. A museum even purchased one of her most famous quilts,
"The Lord’s Supper." However, Powers' popularity faded after her death in 1910. Her quilts
were largely forgotten, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that they began to be appreciated again.
Today, Harriet Powers' quilts are recognized as some of the finest examples of African
American folk art. Folk art is the traditional decorative or functional art of people that’s often
an expression of community life. Collectors and museums all over the world still cherish
Powers’ pieces.
Dat So La Lee
Dat So La Lee was an Indigenous American artist and basket weaver that rose to prominence
in the 1920s. As a member of the Washoe people in Nevada, she used traditional materials,
such as willow, to construct her baskets. Dat So La Lee used a style called degikup that the
Washoe basket weavers have used for generations.

Degikup baskets, Dat so la lee (Dabuda or Louisa Keyser), ca. 1895; medium: willow, dyed bracken root, and redbud.
Historically, Washoe women weaved baskets to cook and store food. After the Europeans
colonized their land, the Washoe offered their expertly crafted baskets for trade. During her
lifetime, Dat So La Lee was the most celebrated basket weaver in the world. She carried on
the traditions of her culture through her craft. This craft was dying out as the Europeans
decimated Indigenous North American peoples like the Washoe both physically and culturally.
Tapa Cloths (Bark Cloths)

Tapa cloth is a traditional piece of art from the South Pacific that has been created for
centuries. This fabric is made from the bark of a mulberry tree, and it’s often decorated with
intricate designs.
Women typically make tapa cloths, and creating one can take weeks or even months. First,
the bark is stripped from the tree and soaked in water. Once it’s soft enough to work with, it’s
pounded flat and then dyed with natural dyes. After it dries, it’s hand-painted or block-printed
with a design.

Turtle Tapa Cloth, Papua New Guinea, ca. unknown; medium: bark and paint.
Tapa cloths often depict scenes from nature, such as animals or plants. They can also tell
stories about the history and culture of the people who made them. Tapa cloths are not only
beautiful works of art, but they’re also rich in meaning and symbolism.
Study this tapa cloth from Papua New Guinea. Made from the inner bark of a tree, the cloth is
made in a rectangular shape and features clean, geometric designs that create the form of a
turtle. Tapa cloths like this one are often given as gifts or worn by women in traditional
ceremonies, special gatherings, and dances.

Quick Check
What’s the traditionally decorative or functional art of people that’s often an expression of
community life?
Folk art Expressionism
Impressionism Ukiyo-e


Great Sphinx of Giza(https://www.worldhistory.org/Great_Sphinx_of_Giza/)
Tutankhamun's golden mask(https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/africa-museums/egypt-museums/cairo-museums/egyptian-

museum/tutankhamuns-mask/)
Jar With Dragon(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/39666)
Bowl with image of Xochiquetzal(https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/objects/42309)
Hishikawa Moronobu(https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Hishikawa_Moronobu)
Kitagawa Utamaro(https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Utamaro)
Harriet Powers(https://www.georgiawomen.org/copy-of-pauley-frances-freeborn)
Dat So La Lee(https://americanindian.si.edu/exhibitions/infinityofnations/california-greatbasin/118261.html)
Turtle Tapa Cloth(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapa_cloth)
Review
Diversity
The practice of inclusion and acceptance of people from a range of different identities and cultures (Lesson
1)
Visual art
Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, photographs, and prints created to evoke ideas and emotions and
go beyond enhancing the appeal of a space (Lesson 1)
Identity
The various characteristics that make up a person on the inside and outside. Some of these characteristics
are visible, and some are invisible (Lesson 1)
Culture
The blend of language, traditions, religious beliefs, and history shared between people in a society (Lesson
2)
Three-dimensional art
Visual art that can be observed in width, height, and depth dimensions; includes sculpture, pottery, and
installations (Lesson 2)
Textile art
Art created from silk, wool, and other synthetic fibers, with methods of creation including weaving, sewing,
crocheting, embroidery, or knitting (Lesson 2)
Photography
An art medium formed alongside the evolution of technology. Unlike sculpture or painting, this art form has
only been around since the 1800s (Lesson 2)
Pottery
Describes pots and objects created with clay and other ceramic materials, fired at high temperatures to
give them a hard and durable form (Lesson 3)
Glassmaking
A process that involves shaping molten glass into different shapes and sizes (Lesson 3)
Folk art
The traditional decorative or functional art of people that’s often an expression of community life (Lesson 4)

11. Practice: Diversity, Visual Art Media, and Expression
Open Link

12. Review
Open Link

Preparing for Your First Exam
If you've read and completed all of the assignments in this lesson, you're ready to take your
first exam!
If you aren't sure of the right answer when taking the exam, you can go back to the lesson to
find it. You have as much time as you need to complete exams, so don't rush.
You have two chances to pass an exam. If you don't pass your exam the first time, that's
okay! Study the concepts you didn't do so well on, and try again. Only the highest score will
count toward your grade.
Watch this video to learn more about taking your exams and viewing the results:
Download transcript(http://lessons.pennfoster.com/savi/transcripts/INV00001_T.pdf)

Select each item to learn helpful tips about taking Penn Foster assessments:
Exam Preparation
These suggestions can help you prepare to take an exam:

Review the quick checks and practice exercises in each section. If you have trouble with those
questions, review the topic before taking an exam.
Review any notes you took while completing your coursework often as you get ready for your exam.
Use the flashcards in the Review sections to help you better remember and recall concepts.
Ask your instructor before beginning the exam if you have any questions about the material or the testing
process.
Get enough sleep the night before an exam. Eat well. Test in a calm environment.
Strategies for Answering Exam Questions
These suggestions can help you while taking your exam:

Look for keywords in questions and multiple-choice answer options. They often provide a clue to the best
answer.
Carefully read every answer option; do not quickly choose the first answer that sounds correct without
reading the rest!
Answer questions that you're confident about first.
Watch for words such as not, never, and best describes or most correct in the questions.
Watch for words such as always, every, and never in answer options.

Academic Integrity
This exam is the first graded assignment in your program. It’s important that you take the
exam yourself, that your answers are your own, and that you use your own notes and the
knowledge you gained from this lesson. These are all tenets of academic integrity. Academic
integrity is important not only as you complete this program, but for any further education, in
your work life, and beyond.
To learn more about why academic integrity is important, watch this video featuring Penn
Foster’s Director of Academic Policy.

Lesson 1 Exam
Open Link

Diversity Through Visual Art / Lesson 2: Understanding the Artist
Lesson 2: Understanding the Artist

Lesson 2 Overview
Overview
What’s the meaning behind a piece of art? What big ideas do artists express through visual
works? In this part of the course, you'll think more deeply about the themes and messages
behind works of visual art. Artists use foundational elements like shape, colors, and lines to
communicate meaning through visual art.
You'll learn to interpret everything from lines to colors and how to understand messages about
the artist’s identity and culture. Every artist has their own message, and you'll learn what
creative choices to look for to understand that message. Your understanding will help you
think critically about the values and experiences of diverse cultures through the lens of art.

Define the foundational elements of art that shape meaning
Interpret artistic themes by analyzing the foundational elements of art
Describe features of identity and culture in visual art
Analyze stylistic choices that challenge the dominant culture
Section 1 Multiple choice and multiple response

Ungraded
Practice questions

Ungraded
Practice questions

Ungraded
Practice questions

Ungraded
Practice questions

grade

Section 1: Foundational Qualities of Visual Art
To create visual art, you need to understand the foundational elements. Artists create
unique compositions using lines, colors, and shapes to communicate big ideas. By
combining these elements, artists can indicate physical motion and evoke feelings from the
audience. From the moment your eye lands on a work of art, the artist guides your gaze to
help you interpret meaning. Learning how to critically observe the visual elements that
work together to form meaning helps you understand diverse perspectives about identity,
culture, and society.
Once you complete your reading, you’ll be able to identify and describe the seven
elements of visual art. You’ll also begin to understand how these elements work together to
create meaning and give viewers a better understanding of the artist’s beliefs and values.

The Elements of Visual Art
Here, you’ll learn about how artists use a few foundational elements to construct meaning
through visual art. Artists use these visual and mental tools to develop their perspectives and
tell stories about their identity, culture, and experiences. Visual art has seven foundational
elements: lines, space, shape, form, texture, color, and value. By combining these elements
through distinctive styles, artists can evoke emotions and ideas from viewers. They can also
share valuable aspects of their identity, culture, and personal experience.
Key Takeaways
Lines and space are the most basic visual elements of art and are used to create depth and perspective.
Shape describes the outline of objects in 2-D artwork, whereas form describes the height, width, and depth of a 3-D
object.
Color can duplicate reality, define shapes, or highlight importance. Value describes the lightness (tint) or darkness
(shade) of color.

Lines & Space

No matter what visual art medium an artist chooses to work with, every piece of artwork relies
on the building blocks of lines and space.
Lines
Lines are the most basic visual element used to define shapes, control the viewer's gaze, and
indicate motion. Depending on the artistic medium, lines can be two-dimensional or three-
dimensional.
There are two common forms of lines used in visual art:

Contour lines outline the figures and form a work of art.
Hatching is a technique where artists use lines to create shading effects using closely spaced parallel lines.
Some artists use loose, natural, curving, and imperfect lines. These lines are called organic
lines because they create shapes that look like imperfect objects you see in the real world.
Other artists prefer more perfectly geometric lines, which are called inorganic lines because
perfect geometry doesn’t usually occur in the real world.
Implied lines aren't physically present in the artwork, but your eye follows them naturally.
Implied lines help you know where to look and help you discover essential ideas in the
painting. For example, an implied line might exist as you follow the gaze of a figure. Implied
lines absorb you into the world of the artwork and guide your viewing experience.
Archers, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ca. 1936; medium: oil on canvas.
Carefully observe the figures in Kirchner’s oil painting Archers. Three female figures gaze into
the distance. One holds a bow ready to be released. This creates tension for the viewer. By
following the tip of the poised arrow and the implied line of the archer’s gaze, the eye
naturally travels to the bullseye positioned in the distance. The artist combines both physical
and implied diagonal lines to draw your eye across the canvas as you construct meaning.

Kirchner was fascinated with Saint Sebastian, a saint who was tied up and pelted with arrows
until his death. This theme is present throughout many of his paintings. Kirchner, a German,
had PTSD after his experiences in World War I and was prone to mental and physical
breakdowns. His paintings express a tense, charged mood through sketchy technique and
intensified color.
Space
Every piece of visual art balances positive space, or areas with clear imagery, and negative
space, or areas left alone. The way an artist uses space can create an illusion of depth. The
use of space is intentional and can be manipulated to communicate ideas and emotions. For
example, a lot of negative space might express hopelessness or loss, whereas a lack of
negative space might overwhelm or disorient the viewer.
There are two main perspectives artists use when dealing with the spatial element of visual
art:
Linear perspective refers to the optical illusion that parallel lines converge as they disappear into the distance,
creating depth.
Atmospheric perspective creates a similar illusion of depth but is created through bright or faded color to make
objects appear as though they’re in the distance.
Wheatfield with Crows, Vincent van Gogh, ca. 1890; medium: oil on canvas.
In Vincent van Gogh’s oil painting Wheatfield with Crows, you can observe the convergence
of the lines making up the path through the wheatfield. This linear perspective creates the
illusion that the path continues outside of your line of vision. It creates the sense that you’re
staring into a large field with three-dimensional depth, even though the painting is two-
dimensional.
Vincent van Gogh painted this scene in the summer of 1890, just weeks before he took his
own life after a lifelong struggle with depression. The ominous crows and heavy clouds hint at
the inner turmoil he suffered.

Harvesters Resting, Jean Francois Millet, ca. 1852; medium: oil on canvas.
Observe Jean-Francois Millet’s oil painting Harvesters Resting. What do you notice about the
haystacks? The haystack closest to you has the most intense value, while the haystacks
furthest from you appear faded. This technique creates the illusion that there’s significant
depth to the two-dimensional work of art. While many artists in 1850s France concerned
themselves with the industrialized French upper class, Millet often captured scenes of the
impoverished rural world. As the son of a Normandy farmer, he was especially in tune with
both the dignity and grueling labor the lower class experienced.

Quick Check
Which of the following terms describes the most basic visual elements of art and are used to
create depth and perspective?
Shape and form Lines and space
Color and value Warm colors and cool colors

Shape, Form, and Texture

To generate clear ideas about identity, culture, and society, artists create visual art that
features a variety of shapes and forms. Artists can then alter the texture or create an illusion
of texture to enhance the effect of these shapes and forms.
Shape
Lines and color work together to create shapes in visual art. Shape refers to two-dimensional
works (such as paintings or drawings) and describes the outline of objects and colors.
There are two primary kinds of shape that an artist might use:
Organic shapes are natural, unconfined figures that bring a sense of freedom or discord.
Inorganic shapes are geometric, like squares, circles, and triangles, and are used to simplify the image or give it
formal structure.
Most works of art contain organic and inorganic shapes to convey big ideas and tell a story.
Construction, Alexandra Exter, ca. 1922–1923; medium: oil on canvas.
Alexandra Exter led the cubist and futurist art movements in Russia in the 1900s. Her
paintings often depict inorganic, geometric shapes. Exter’s use of experimental, avant-garde
shapes is playful and dramatic. The use of inorganic shapes stands in stark contrast to the

traditional artistic ideas of Soviet state-sponsored art. State-sponsored art was realistic and
functioned to idealize life under communism. Exter’s use of cubism served as a kind of protest
to the new Soviet government, which sought to repress this futuristic style.
Form
Whereas shape refers to two-dimensional works of visual art, form describes three-
dimensional works of art. Form refers to the height, width, and depth of an object such as a
sculpture. Form can be formal and cubic (inorganic or geometric) or free-flowing and natural
(organic). Although form technically describes 3-D works of visual art, it’s sometimes used to
describe the illusion of three-dimensionality in paintings and drawings.
Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), Tamil Nadu, ca. 901–1100; medium: bronze.
This bronze sculpture depicts Shiva the Lord of Dance, an important Hindu deity and an
iconic image in Indian art. The sculpture combines formal elements, like the infinite circular
ring of fire around the Shiva, and free-flowing components, such as the Shiva itself.

The natural movement of Shiva mid-dance represents the rhythm of life and death. In one pair
of hands, Shiva balances a flame of destruction and a hand drum that beats the rhythm of life.
Another raised right hand tells you not to fear the cosmic cycle of life and death. The hand
pointing down towards Shiva’s raised foot represents release from the ignorance of the
ultimate reality. The sculpture achieves perfect balance in terms of form and space. Icons
such as this sculpture were carried during religious ceremonies.
Texture
Texture describes the feeling of an artwork’s surface, whether imagined or real. Texture can
be rough or smooth and can describe actual objects (like 3-D sculptures) or an illusion
created by the artist. For example, oil paints can be layered with tools like palette knives to
create literal texture as the paint dries. Likewise, sculptures can be carved, etched, or cut to
provide texture. On the other hand, artists can get creative with specific brush strokes and
shading to give the illusion of texture.

Quick Check
_______ refers to the height, width, and depth of an object, such as a sculpture.
Texture Line
Shape Form

Color & Value
Color
Color is one of the essential elements of visual art, as it can be used to duplicate reality, set
the mood, or highlight importance. Color describes the shade, intensity, and hue used to
create a piece of visual art. Hue refers to the visible colors or mix of colors. Darker colors can
make a piece of art feel faded or moody, while bright, prominent colors quickly grab your
attention.
Artists use a mixture of complementary and contrasting colors called a color palette to evoke
feelings and set the mood in each work of art. As you progress through this course, you’ll
learn more about how artists manipulate color to communicate their ideas.
Value
Sometimes referred to as tint or shade, value describes the degree of lightness or darkness
in color. By mixing white into a hue, artists create a tint or brighter color. Tints can add a
cheerful feeling or grab the viewer’s attention quickly. On the other hand, shade is made by
mixing black into a hue and evokes feelings of gloom, anxiety, or tension. Value is a helpful
element for creating dimension in a work of art.
Romaine Brooks
In this 1914 oil painting by Romaine Brooks, you can see expert use of color and value to
evoke emotion. Brooks painted The Cross of France at the beginning of World War I. It’s a
symbolic image of France at war, depicting a valiant Red Cross nurse.
La France Croisée, Romaine Brooks, ca. 1914; medium: oil on canvas.

The burst of red from the red cross sewn into her black coat demands the eye’s attention. It
literally and figuratively represents the Red Cross, which played an integral part in saving
lives during the war. The city of Ypres burns in the distance as the subject sits alone in heroic
isolation. The agitated sky blends the smoke from the burning town and volatile clouds
threatening to storm.
The scene is shadowy and desolate except for the nurse. The white of her headscarf and
collar stand in stark contrast to the otherwise gloomy palette. There’s an angelic and valorous
quality about the subject. It’s easy for the viewer to conclude that she is a heroic figure in the
war efforts.
The image was reproduced and sold by Brooks to raise funds for the Red Cross. She
received the Legion of Honor award for her fundraising efforts.
Brooks’s depiction of female bravery and service to France in World War I is unique in many
ways. First, most of the war narrative was focused on the men fighting directly in battle.
Women weren’t allowed to serve at this time, so service to the Red Cross was one of a limited
number of ways women could contribute directly.
Women served at the sides of hospital beds, ran convalescent homes for soldiers, maintained
emergency depots of medical supplies, and operated canteens that served meals on the front
lines. They also maintained hospitals, farms, gardens, and promoted anti-tuberculosis efforts.
Despite the service of women worldwide aiding the war, the story of Red Cross nurses and
volunteers is often left out of the World War I narrative. Through her use of color and overall
composition, Brooks sought to secure a place for women to be remembered for their equally
valiant service to their country.

Quick Check
In Romaine Brooks’s La France Croisée, what does the red color represent?
The Red Cross Fury
Female archetypes War

In La France Croisée, the burst of red from the red cross sewn into her coat demands your
eye’s attention. It literally and figuratively represents the Red Cross.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner(https://www.moma.org/artists/3115)
Vincent van Gogh(https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/art-and-stories/vincents-life-1853-1890)
Jean-Francois Millet(https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1720.html)
Alexandra Exter(https://nmwa.org/art/artists/alexandra-exter/)
Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja)(https://www.artic.edu/artworks/24548/shiva-as-lord-of-the-dance-nataraja)
Romaine Brooks(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/brooks-romaine/life-and-legacy/#biography_header)

3. Practice: The Elements of Visual Art
Open Link

Section 2: Making Meaning of the Elements of Visual Art
How do you interpret the seven elements of artistic expression? What’s the significance of
a line or color in a work of art? In this lesson, you’ll practice drawing meaning from the
essential elements of visual art. Artists compose pieces to express their cultural values and
personal experiences. The symbolism of a shape or the palette of a painting can offer you
insight that reveals an artist’s identity and traditions. You’ll learn how Edvard Munch uses
implied lines and symbolism to perpetuate antiquated female archetypes. You’ll also
explore how bronze idols from hundreds of years ago can capture religiously significant
imagery.
For some cultures, visual art is a means to practice and preserve their traditions and
beliefs. Learning to recognize the symbols, materials, and stories told through visual art
helps you understand and develop compassion for diverse people worldwide. Sadly, visual
art is all that remains of some cultures that have been lost over time.

Interpreting Culture & Traditions Through Artistic Elements
Here, you’ll learn how to interpret the elements of visual art to understand artistic themes around
identity, culture, and society. Artists use the essential elements of visual art to carry on cultural
traditions and create rich symbols of personal identity. By learning to “read” visual art, you can better
grasp the unique experiences and beliefs of the artists behind the works of art. From moody color
palettes and organic shapes to implied compositional lines, many “puzzle pieces” work together to
create layers of meaning for viewers.
You’ll soon understand how to recognize elements of cultural tradition through visual art. You’ll also
have a more profound knowledge of the role of symbolism in expressing an artist’s culture, identity,
and personal experiences.
Key Takeaways
The use of elements like lines and forms can give meaning to symbols and archetypes in works of visual art. Symbols and
archetypes are used to perpetuate beliefs and cultural values in society.
Color and value can alter the tone and mood of the viewer’s experience. Some colors have emotional or cultural significance.
For many subcultures, visual art is a method of practicing and preserving cultural traditions. In some cases, visual art may be
all that’s left of cultures that have died out over time.

Meaning in Lines, Shapes, and Form

The way artists construct a work of art using elements like lines, shapes, space, and form is very
intentional. Each artist manipulates these elements to communicate a message. Their message
often holds clues as to what dominant beliefs and cultural practices existed in society during the
artist’s lifetime.
Nineteenth-Century Female Archetypes
The Dance of Life, Edvard Munch, ca. 1899–1900; medium: oil on canvas.
In Edvard Munch’s oil painting The Dance of Life, the artist constructs meaning through the
masterful use of lines and symbolism. Symbolism is when artists use images and ideas to suggest
other ideas indirectly.
Examine the woman’s red dress. The swirl of light and dark organic lines implies the sweeping fabric
of her dress as she dances with her partner. The eye follows the lines in her dress upward, landing
on the clasped hands of the woman and her partner and eventually on her face.
She gazes into the eyes of the man with whom she dances, and he gazes back at her. The implied
line connecting their stare and the suggestive red of the woman’s dress represents a woman’s love
in its prime. Because Munch lived during a time when the heteronormative culture was the
expectation, all of the couples depicted are male-female.
The women on either side of the couple stare back in the direction of the central couple. They
symbolize a maiden and a widow. The maiden just misses the couple with her slightly downward
gaze. The woman in the black dress is the widow gazing at the couple head-on. The maiden’s
implied line of vision represents the ignorance of youth to the heavy toll of love and marriage. She
smiles faintly, perhaps dreaming of the marriage that awaits her someday.
The widow is visibly aged and gaunt compared to the maiden, and her direct stare represents her
wisdom in the marital lifecycle. She knows the outcome that awaits the couple. When the man dies,
the woman will be left alone to live out the rest of her lonely life in mourning.
The eye travels horizontally from one woman to the next, each placed in order as though on a
timeline. The maiden is in her youth, the woman in the red dress in her prime, and the widow is at
the end of a cycle of love and life. The image is representative of outdated female archetypes of

Munch’s time. An archetype is a recurring symbol that represents a specific type of person. The
Dance of Life is a valuable example of how artistic elements like symbols and archetypes can
perpetuate and communicate cultural expectations.
The Bhagavata-Purana
The Bhagavata-Purana is a Hindu religious text that tells the story of Krishna. This ancient text is
considered one of the most important scriptures in Hinduism and is read by devotees during
religious ceremonies and holidays.
God Krishna Dancing on the Head of the Snake Demon Kaliya (Kaliyadamana), Vijayanagar period, ca. 1300–1400; medium: bronze.
This fourteenth-century bronze statue depicts the classic Bhagavata-Purana story of Krishna
defeating the snake demon Kaliya. Bronze statues are a common type of religious sculpture that
was popular centuries ago. This bronze statue represents Krishna fighting against all odds to protect
his people from the evil represented by the serpent. For centuries, his heroic actions have been
immortalized in stories and paintings across India.
The form is composed of primarily organic elements that draw the eye up and down in a vertical
motion—the god dances upon the head of the snake, symbolic of the forced submission of the
demon. The dance pose itself is an iconic image that achieves visual balance. Krishna’s right hand is
posed in the protection gesture, while his left hand holds the serpent's tail in defeat.
The sculpture captures a moment of tension, a pause just before Krishna resumes the flow of
movement that seems to be inevitable. Here, Krishna is depicted as a child, as is evident from the
small proportions of the body. This traditional sculpture succeeds in preserving the famous Hindu

tale of Krishna and the demon snake.

Quick Check
In Edvard Munch's The Dance of Life, what do the two women on either side of the couple symbolize?
Truth and lies Light and dark
An angel and a devil A maiden and a widow

Meaning in Color and Value

When it comes to color and value, the choices an artist makes can alter the entire tone and mood of
the painting. Some colors might evoke feelings of joy or excitement, while others may cause viewers
to feel a sense of despair.

Quick Check
Neutral, warm, and cool are all examples of
lines. color temperature.
shapes. textures.

Visual Art as Cultural Preservation
East Asian Hand Fans

Though you may see hand fans in many areas of the world today, the hand fan originated in ancient
East Asian cultures. Woven bamboo or paper fans have been discovered in China dating back to the
second century BCE. Famous artists were often hired to paint fans for the upper class. Fans have
been used in traditional Chinese dances since the seventh century.
Japanese foldable fan of late Heian period, ca. twelfth century; medium: Japanese cypress and paint.
Japan introduced the folding hand fan as early as the sixth century BCE. Made primarily from silk,
these fans were often used to accompany women in the Japanese royal court. The number of strips
of wood included in the folding fan differed according to social rank. Japanese fans were used to
send military signals during battles and even as a form of weapon in combat.
Today, traditional fans are used by Shinto priests in formal costumes and during performances of
traditional dances by geisha and maiko. Though cultures across Europe have appropriated it, it’s
important to note that hand fans preserve celebrated elements of East Asian culture.
Olmec Greenstone Sculptures

The Olmecs were a people that lived in the hot, humid lowlands along the Gulf of Mexico. All that
remains of their ancient culture are a few ruins, a handful of wooden artifacts, and some precious
stone carvings called greenstones.

Mask, Olmec, ca. 900–400 BCE; medium: jadeite.
Greenstone sculptures are a type of artwork created by the Olmec people and made from
greenstone, which is a type of jade. Greenstone sculptures are considered some of the most
beautiful pieces of art from the Olmec period. The Olmec people were very skilled at carving
greenstone into intricate designs.
Many of the greenstone sculptures that have been found are of animals or gods. The Olmec people
believed that greenstones had special powers and that it was sacred material. Greenstone was often
used in religious ceremonies and was thought to be a powerful talisman.
The Greenstones are a powerful reminder of visual art’s power to carry on the memory of cultures
and traditions that have died out over time.
Apache Basket Weaving

The Apache are an indigenous American people with a rich history of basket weaving. This art form
is deeply rooted in their culture and plays a vital role in their everyday lives. Basket weaving is more
than just a way to make baskets; it is a way for the Apache people to express themselves and tell
stories.

Storage basket, Apache, ca. 1890; medium: willow shoots, devil's claw, and yucca root.
The Apache people have been basket weavers for centuries. It’s one of the oldest art forms in North
America, and it was initially used for practical purposes, such as gathering food and storing water.
However, it has evolved into an essential part of Apache culture and storytelling over time.
Basket weaving is also a complex and time-consuming process. First, the Apache people gather
materials such as willow branches and yucca leaves. Then, they strip the leaves and weave them
into intricate patterns. The finished baskets are beautiful and unique, each one telling a different
story.

Interview with Iva Honyestewa, Hopi-Navajo Basket Weaver
To learn more about basket weaving, watch Interview with Iva Honyestewa, Hopi-Navajo Basket
Weaver(https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=72d209a3-bf87-4f37-9600-
c63877578864).
The Apache people believe that basket weaving is a sacred art form, as it’s a way to connect with
the natural world and the spirits of their ancestors. Basket weaving is also an important part of
ceremonies and celebrations. Today, Apache basket weaving is still an important part of their history
and culture. Although it has changed over time, it remains a vital part of the Apache people’s
heritage. Basket weaving is ultimately a reminder of the Apache people’s rich tradition and their
connection to the land.

Quick Check
Visual art can be used in which of the following ways?
To destroy cultural traditions To force others to practice cultural

traditions
To preserve cultural traditions To replace cultural traditions


The following artists or pieces were discussed briefly in this reading. Select each to learn more. You won’t be
graded on this additional information.
God Krishna Dancing on the Head of the Snake Demon Kaliya (Kaliyadamana)(https://www.artic.edu/artworks/136981/god-krishna-dancing-on-the-head-of-the-snake-
demon-kaliya-kaliyadamana)
Navajo, A History Weaving(https://toh-atin.com/navajo-weaving,-a-history)
Japanese foldable fan of late Heian period(https://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/traditionsrevised/origin-of-the-folding-fan.html)
Mask(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/310279?
searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&where=Mexico&high=on&ao=on&showOnly=openAccess&ft=*&offset=0&rpp=40&pos=12
Storage basket(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/751527?
searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&where=Arizona&high=on&ao=on&showOnly=openAccess&ft=*&offset=0&rpp=40&pos=2)

5. Practice Interpreting Culture
Open Link

Section 3: Interpreting the Artist’s Story
In this lesson, you’ll practice looking across multiple works of art by the same artist to
interpret an artist’s story. Each artist has their own unique cultural and personal
experiences that share insights into their beliefs and traditions.
First, you’ll explore the work of Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist who bares her soul through
portraits that celebrate her heritage and document her most personal losses. By the end of
this lesson, you’ll be able to explain the role of visual culture as a means of communicating
and perpetuating cultural values.
Next, you’ll observe the fascinating use of shape and color presented by Vincent van
Gogh. Sadly, Van Gogh suffered from mental health struggles throughout his life. He often
turned to painting to express his inner turmoil and share moments of beauty and gratitude
throughout his life.
Finally, you’ll take a deep dive into the art of Edward Mitchell Bannister. Bannister was a
masterful Black artist in the nineteenth century. In a time when African Americans faced
blatant discrimination, Bannister managed to dazzle audiences of all backgrounds and
distinguish himself among white peers with his tranquil use of color and distinctive
atmospheric style.

The Artist’s Story
This page gives you a closer look into the lives, cultures, and beliefs of artists representing a
diverse range of identities and cultures. By observing their different styles, techniques, and
symbolic motifs, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how art can translate experiences
through imagery, color, and technique. Each artist offers a profound perspective on society
and their place within it.
You’ll soon understand how to interpret the elements of art to gain knowledge about individual
artists and the identities they represent. From traditional symbols to the masterful crafting of
color and atmosphere, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret the artist’s
message using critical observation.
Key Takeaways
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist who shared elements of her culture and personal struggles through her surrealist
paintings.
Vincent van Gogh was a post-impressionist artist who struggled with mental health throughout his life. He often
turned to painting to express his unique perspective and emotional experiences.
Edward Mitchell Bannister was a renowned Black artist who found success in capturing the tranquil beauty of the
New England countryside. He overcame prejudice and helped break down racial barriers during a time of overt
discrimination.

Focus Artist: Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her paintings of Mexican culture and her self-
portraits. She was a strong and inspiring woman who overcame much adversity in her life. As
a child, Frida Kahlo was always interested in art, and she would often spend her free time
drawing and painting. When she was just six years old, she contracted polio, which left her
with a limp.
Frida Kahlo's painting career began when she was later injured in a bus accident. She was
confined to her bed for months, and she began to paint during this time.
Kahlo's paintings are surrealist and often feature bold, bright colors. Surrealism is visual art
that creates dreamlike and bizarre scenes dominated by symbolism. She is best known for
her self-portraits, which often depict her physical and emotional pain. Kahlo was married to
fellow artist Diego Rivera, and the two had a tumultuous relationship. They divorced and
remarried twice before Kahlo's death in 1954.
The Two Fridas

Kahlo's painting The Two Fridas(https://www.fridakahlo.org/the-two-fridas.jsp) was completed
shortly after her divorce from Diego Rivera. In it, one Frida wears a traditional Mexican
Tehuana dress that’s worn for special occasions and is deeply tied into Kahlo’s Mexican
heritage. The other Frida is wearing a modern, European-style dress.
The painting is rich with visual symbolism. First, it represents Kahlo's dual sense of traditional
Mexican culture blended with modern Western culture. Additionally, the Frida on the left likely
represents a younger Frida, still married to Diego Rivera. The Frida on the right represents
Frida post-divorce, attempting to recover from the heartbreak of her failed marriage.
The heart has been carved out of the traditional Frida, who holds surgical pincers in her lap
and is dripping fresh blood. It now rests in the chest of the modern-day Frida. The blood on
traditional Frida’s white dress and the gaping wound in her chest cavity makes for startling
imagery. A tiny portrait of Diego Rivera rests in the hands of the modern-day Frida.
The stormy sky in the background is filled with agitated, cool gray and blue clouds. The effect
creates a gloomy atmosphere. The Two Fridas gives you a raw, intimate view of both Kahlo’s
immense suffering and her cultural identity.
Self-Portrait as a Tehuana (Diego on My Mind)

Self-Portrait as a Tehuana, Frida Kahlo, ca. 1943; medium: oil on canvas.
Kahlo’s painting Self-Portrait as a Tehuana is frequently referred to as Diego on My Mind.

Kahlo paints herself in a lacy, traditional Tehuana dress often worn for Mexican celebrations
and cultural events.
Rivera’s image is painted onto her forehead like a third eye, signifying his continued presence
in her thoughts. Third eye imagery is familiar throughout Mexican folk art, and Kahlo uses this
motif frequently throughout her work. It’s as though she is suggesting that Rivera went from a
physical being to a component of her own being.
Kahlo is surrounded by surreal, weblike lines that appear to create cracks in the reality of the
image. It seems that the lines converge around the image of Rivera, as though he has
cracked the screen of existence like a stone. The image suggests that Rivera’s betrayal has
shattered the lens through which she perceives her reality.

Quick Check
Frida Kahlo often included what kinds of symbols in her art?
Symbols of her Mexican heritage Symbols of her children
Geometric symbols Symbols of her political opinions

Focus Artist: Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh is remembered as one of the most expressive artists, baring his every
autobiographical experience and emotion through his art. Van Gogh’s style is heavily
influenced by impressionism and Japanese woodcuts, and experts describe his art as post-
impressionist.
Post-impressionism developed in the late 1800s and went against impressionism’s overall
concern with natural light and color. As a post-impressionist painter, Van Gogh is especially
expressive with his use of distorted shapes and thrilling use of colors. The effect is often more
symbolic and expressive than literal.
Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Sunflowers, Vincent van Gogh, ca. 1888; medium: oil on canvas.
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers exemplifies his masterful use of color well. Based on a palette of
three warm, uplifting shades of yellow, Sunflowers is a series of five large canvases. The
paintings have a special significance for Van Gogh, as they symbolize gratitude. Sunflowers
serve as an ideal symbol for expressing one’s thanks, as they’re the floral equivalent of
sunshine and happiness. The warmth communicated through the color yellow represents
happiness and friendship.
Van Gogh suffered from several depressive episodes and mental health challenges
throughout his life. During the 1880s, he befriended fellow painter Paul Gauguin and came to
live with him in what they called the Yellow House. Grateful for the deep friendship between
them, Van Gogh painted the sunflowers as a tribute to his friend. He hung them in Gauguin’s
room as a visual reminder of his gratitude. Sunflowers eventually became synonymous with
Van Gogh, and his friends even brought sunflowers to his funeral after he took his own life in
1890.
Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night

The Starry Night, Vincent van Gogh, ca. 1889; medium: oil on canvas.
In 1889, Van Gogh sought reprieve from his mental illness and checked himself into an
asylum in southern France. Inspired by his view from the window of his room at the asylum,
he painted The Starry Night. Although cool colors dominate the overall temperature of the
painting, the use of warm yellows in the sky’s celestial bodies gives the work a warm glow.
There’s a notable contrast between the calm, sleepy village and the swirling, dramatic sky. He
visually represents the turbulent flow of cloud formation. The effect is so pronounced that it
gives the impression of turbulent water. Van Gogh combines ultramarines and cobalt blues to
achieve the cool nighttime effect.
He incorporates his beloved yellows to create the deep glow of the moon and stars. The
brown branches of the cypress tree are much darker. Burnt umber and dark Prussian blues
form the tree's branches, creating shade that gives the impression that the tree is closest to
the viewer. Starry Night is a masterpiece among Van Gogh’s most celebrated pieces.

Quick Check
Vincent van Gogh’s style can best be described as
realistic. neutral.
post-impressionistic. impressionistic.

Focus Artist: Edward Mitchell Bannister

Black artist Edward Mitchell Bannister left a lasting legacy on the art world. His paintings were
unique and showed his love of nature and landscapes. Bannister was also an accomplished
musician and helped break down racial barriers in the art world.
Bannister was born in Canada in 1828. He was the son of free Black people who had moved
to the North for better opportunities. Bannister showed an early interest in art and music. He
was primarily self-taught, but he did study with some prominent artists of the day, including
Thomas Sully and Daniel Huntington. He was a founding member of the Providence Art Club
and the Rhode Island School of Design.
In 1876, he won first prize in painting at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. Unfortunately,
the painting went missing over time, and its location is unknown today.
Oak Trees
Bannister’s style was unique, and he is known for his use of light and color. He often painted
landscapes and scenes from nature, especially images from the Rhode Island seaside. His
style is focused on pastoral subjects with apparent influence from French artist Jean-Francois
Millet.
Oak Trees, Edward Mitchell Bannister, ca. 1876; medium: oil on canvas.
Oak Trees is thought to be similar in composition to the missing first-place painting from the
Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. In this 1876 oil painting, Bannister succeeds in capturing
the atmospheric beauty of the natural world. Like many of his landscapes, Oak Trees depicts
a quiet natural scene rendered through a somber color palette. Bannister loved the serene
beauty of nature and often represented it realistically. His imagery evokes tranquility that
would become a hallmark of Bannister’s style.
Though Bannister was a known abolitionist (a person who wants to stop slavery) who proudly
advocated for Black rights, many of the figures in his paintings appear to be white. This is
likely due to the dominant visual art culture of his time, which was largely occupied by
depictions of white culture. As Bannister relied on his art to make a living, he likely included
white figures to appeal to the collectors of his time.

Abolitionism, or the abolitionist movement, was the movement to end slavery. In

Western Europe and the Americas, abolitionism was a historic movement that sought
to end the Atlantic slave trade and liberate the enslaved people.
Streamside
Streamside, Edward Mitchell Bannister, ca. 1870; medium: oil on canvas.
Bannister’s 1870 painting Streamside offers another look into his inspiration from the
landscapes and seascapes of New England. Bannister utilized a method called tonalism.
Tonalism emphasizes mood and shadow.
To achieve this technique, Bannister relied on building up the texture of the canvas using
heavy, dense brush strokes. This is similar to an impressionist style of painting.
His use of lighter colors in the background and darker colors in the foreground achieves a
three-dimensional atmosphere, giving the impression that the viewer is standing close to the
banks of the stream. The lighter hills seem to roll on endlessly in the distance. Streamside
captures the natural wonder and sprawling vastness of New England’s terrain.
Bannister's legacy continues today. His paintings are in many museums and galleries, and he
is considered one of the most influential Black artists of his time.

Quick Check
Which of the following terms describes the use of texture and color to emphasize mood and
shadow in a painting?
Surrealism Tonalism
Post-impressionism Japanese woodcuts


Frida Kahlo(https://www.fridakahlo.org/frida-kahlo-biography.jsp)
Vincent van Gogh(https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/art-and-stories/vincents-life-1853-1890)
Edward Mitchell Bannister(https://americanart.si.edu/artist/edward-mitchell-bannister-226)

7. Practice Interpreting the Artist's Story
Open Link

Section 4: Challenging Dominant Culture Through Art
Visual art has the power to challenge dominant narratives and lift the voices of people who
represent rich subcultures. Here, you’ll practice interpreting how visual art can be used as
a tool to unveil unique points of view. As a tool for social justice, visual art can transcend
differences and build empathy for the experiences of others.
You’ll learn about Emily Carr, who used her voice as an artist to document the unjust
treatment of Indigenous peoples. Using the power of color and symbolism, she
communicates a sense of loss and mourning for the disappearance of rich cultures.
You’ll also learn about Romaine Brooks. Brooks identified as a lesbian and often
expressed herself as genderqueer or androgynous through her art. Her voice was
particularly unique for her time in the early twentieth century.
Finally, you’ll explore the art of Marsden Hartley. Hartley also identified as a member of the
LGBTQ community but was somewhat reserved about his identity in his personal life.
Hartley often coded his identity in his artwork in quiet protest against the laws forbidding
love between same-sex couples.

Challenging Dominant Culture Through Art
Here, you’ll learn about the power of visual art to challenge the dominant culture. By using
foundational elements of art, symbols, and personal styles, artists can represent strong ideas
about the social issues they care about the most. Visual art has a unique ability to capture
perspectives that you may not encounter every day. Using your powers of critical observation,
you can learn to uncover important views on culture and society. By the time you finish, you’ll
understand how artists use visual art to challenge the dominant culture.
Key Takeaways
Visual art can communicate concerns over social justice, such as Emily Carr’s modernist paintings that depict the
injustice suffered by Indigenous peoples.
Some artists express their identity through art in ways that the dominant culture doesn’t understand. Romaine
Brooks, for example, used art to challenge gender identity at a time when it was illegal for women to dress in men’s
clothing.
When dominant culture excludes certain identity groups, artists can use visual art as a coded language to express
their feelings and experiences. Marsden Hartley used coded abstract art to grieve the loss of his lover after he was
killed in a war, which he was unable to grieve openly due to the stigma against the gay community.

Focus Artist: Emily Carr

Emily Carr was born in 1871 in Victoria, British Columbia. She is considered one of Canada's
most influential painters, and her work has been exhibited worldwide. Carr is best known for
her paintings of First Nations people and landscapes of the West Coast of Canada. She felt
great compassion for the injustices suffered by Indigenous peoples at the hands of the
Canadian government. She witnessed Indigenous communities ravaged by disease and
forced out of their ancestral lands during her lifetime.
In her early adulthood, Carr traveled to Europe to study art. While there, she was exposed to
the work of painters such as Paul Cezanne and Vincent van Gogh. Upon her return to
Canada, Carr began to experiment with different painting styles. She was mainly influenced
by Aboriginal art and the work of Japanese printmakers. Carr became known for her
Modernist style.
Modernism involves blending imagery and themes in an experimental way that isn’t
traditional or realistic. For Carr, this often meant depicting real scenes through the use of
inorganic, geometrical shapes and a grim color palette.
Blunden Harbour
Blunden Harbour, Emily Carr, ca. 1930; medium: oil on canvas.
In one of Carr’s most haunting works, she depicts the coast of Blunden Harbour, a small,
impoverished Indigenous community in the 1900s. The painting is based on a photograph that
captured these same cultural sculptures at this exact angle, with Indigenous locals bustling
about completing day-to-day tasks. In Carr’s interpretation of the image, the people have
been erased. The skies are gloomy, and the tonality of the cool, grayish color palette is
melancholy. Carr captures a symbolically visual account of Canada’s Indigenous people as a
dying race.

Vanquished
Vanquished, Emily Carr, ca. 1930; medium: oil on canvas.
Similar themes are detectable in other Carr works, such as Vanquished. This abandoned
Indigenous village site includes a row of tipped totem poles straggled along the bank of a
path. Totems represent a significant part of some Indigenous cultures. They’re carved
sculptures in the form of objects or animals representing a family or clan.
The cool, grayish-green color and instability of the sculptures suggest a state of decay and
disrepair. This signifies the fading existence of the native peoples that once occupied the
lands in North America, including Carr’s home in Canada. Vanquished uses elements of
cubism. Cubism is a style of art that breaks down organic objects into geometric shapes to
give them a new perspective and make distinct impressions.
The cubist sky includes menacing shades of gray and deep, threatening blues. A dark, earth-
toned, sinister mountain looms in the distance. The mood is almost forbidding. If the totems
remind you of an old graveyard, you’re spot on. The image depicts a dreary Indigenous
cemetery. Carr’s use of color evokes the sense of mourning she felt for the disappearance of
Native peoples and their culture due to the spreading of dominant Eurocentric society and
colonialism.
Carr continued to paint tributes to the First Nations until she died in 1945. Her work is an
essential part of Canadian art history and can be seen in many public and private collections
worldwide.

Quick Check
_______ involves blending imagery and themes in an experimental way that isn’t traditional or
realistic.
Symbolism Impressionism
Modernism Surrealism

Focus Artist: Romaine Brooks

Romaine Brooks was an American artist best known for her paintings of androgynous
subjects. She was born in Rome, Italy, in 1874. Her father was a wealthy American expatriate,
and her mother was an Italian countess. She was exposed to high society and the arts from a
young age. In 1890, she moved to New York City with her family, where she attended the
prestigious Spence School.
Brooks began her career as an artist in the early 1900s. She first gained attention for her
portraits of high-society figures, including many members of the Rothschild family. She is best
known for her paintings of androgynous subjects, which were ahead of their time. Her work
influenced many subsequent artists who would explore similar themes.
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait, Romaine Brooks, ca. 1923; medium: oil on canvas.
Note the use of color in Romaine Brooks’s 1923 Self-Portrait. Brooks paints herself using
neutral tones of black and gray. Her hat casts shade over her eyes, obscuring you from fully
experiencing her gaze. Her color palette of black and gray evokes a lonely, gloomy mood that
went against the popular bursts of color used by trendy artists of the time like Picasso and
Matisse.

The melancholy nature of her work is suggestive of her miserable childhood. Though Brooks
enjoyed her time in Paris as an adult, her alcoholic father abandoned her, and she endured
emotional abuse from her mother as a child.
One of the things that made Romaine Brooks such an intriguing artist was her willingness to
push boundaries. In her self-portrait, she challenges traditional ideas about gender and
femininity.
Brooks was a self-identified lesbian when the LGBTQ community had few to no rights in
society. She often depicted herself as unconventionally masculine, wearing short hair and
men’s clothing. The painting caused quite a stir at the time, as it was very unusual for a
woman to depict herself in such a way.
As a wealthy American female living in Paris, Brooks didn’t paint with the hope of selling her
work like other artists in her circle. Instead, Brooks painted as a mode of self-expression.
She ignored popular art movements like cubism that were spreading throughout Europe at the
time. Instead, her work is classically expressionist and symbolist. Her work continues to
inspire artists today.
Peter (A Young English Girl)
Peter (A Young English Girl), Romaine Brooks, ca. 1923-1924; medium: oil on canvas.
In this 1923 portrait, Brooks captures the likeness of Hannah Gluckstein, an heiress to a
catering company. Hannah would eventually adopt the genderless professional name Gluck
and began using the name Peter in social circles in the 1920s. She confidently sported men’s
suits and fedoras despite the laws and social taboos of her time.

Like Gluck, Brooks also chose to conceal her feminine figure and express herself using
masculine clothing styles. It became popular amongst their close-knit circle of upper-middle-
class and upper-class women of the time. The look became experimentally fashionable and
provided an outlet to express lesbian identity and question traditional gender roles.
Brooks captures the austere modernity of Peter Gluck’s likeness using a carefully nuanced
neutral palette and empty, quiet space to frame her subject. Gluck sports a striped waistcoat,
silk tie, and closely cropped hairstyle to mask her gender. The biological gender of the subject
is confirmed only by the work’s title.

Quick Check
In Romaine Brooks’s 1923 Self-Portrait, what kinds of tones does Brooks use and what do they
portray?
Neutral tones Vibrant tones

Focus Artist: Marsden Hartley

Marsden Hartley was a unique artist who used art to express his innermost self, unlike other
artists who focused on realism or impressionism. He believed that art should be an
expression of the soul, and he worked hard to create pieces that reflected this belief.
Hartley was born in Maine in 1877, and he grew up in a small town near the Canadian border.
He didn't have much exposure to art as a child, but he developed a love for it after taking a
trip to Europe with his family when he was sixteen. He spent several years living in France
and Germany, and it was during this time that he began to develop his unique style of
painting. He was influenced by the work of Paul Cezanne and Wassily Kandinsky, and he also
began to experiment with abstraction and cubism. Abstract art is art that doesn’t attempt to
represent reality accurately. Instead, abstract art uses shapes, colors, and forms to achieve
an effect.
When he returned to the United States in 1909, Hartley's work was met with criticism from the
American art world. They didn't understand his style, and they thought it was too avant-garde.
But Hartley didn't let this deter him, and he continued to paint in his own unique style. He
eventually found success with a group of American collectors who appreciated his work.
Hartley's paintings are often filled with symbolism, reflecting his innermost thoughts and
feelings. He was a very spiritual person, and he believed that art should be used as a tool for
self-expression and self-discovery. Hartley once said, "Art does not reproduce the visible
world… rather, it makes things visible." This quote sums up Hartley's beliefs about art. For
him, it wasn't about reproducing reality; it was about creating something new and unique that
would reflect his thoughts and feelings.
In his painting Portrait of a German

Officer(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/488486), Hartley uses a collage
aesthetic and dramatic color to capture artful cubism and expressionism. Karl von Freyburg, a
Prussian lieutenant whom Hartley loved and who perished in war, is presented symbolically in
this abstract painting. A blue triangle, which could be interpreted as a reference to the Iron
Cross awarded to Freyburg, is at the center of the composition. Flashes of orange and red
suggest both fire and blood.
With the initials “K.v.F."; his regiment number, 4; his age at death, 24; and the iron cross he
received posthumously after his death, von Freyburg is represented through symbolism.
Hartley's work is truly unique, and it provides a glimpse into the mind of a very talented,
profoundly spiritual artist who quietly challenged the heteronormative expectations of his time.
“On the Power of Art and Challenging Cultural Inequity”
It’s important to note that challenging the dominant culture has happened throughout
history. While you’re presently exposed to more artist perspectives, artists have used their
art as a pattern for expression and a cry for change. Read “On the Power of Art and
Challenging Cultural Inequity”(http://magazine.art21.org/2017/01/17/on-the-power-of-art-
and-challenging-cultural-inequity/#.YlZ1VMjMJD8) to learn more.

Quick Check
In Marsden Hartley’s Portrait of a German Officer, who is presented symbolically in the abstract
painting?
Karl von Freyburg, a Prussian lieutenant and Hartley’s fellow soldier
Karl von Freyburg, a Prussian lieutenant whom Hartley loved


Emily Carr(https://www.aci-iac.ca/art-books/emily-carr/biography/)
Romaine Brooks(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/brooks-romaine/life-and-legacy/#biography_header)
Marsden Hartley (https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1375.html)
Review
Organic Lines
Lines that are loose, natural, curving, and imperfect (Lesson 1)
Implied Lines
Aren't physically present in the artwork, but your eye follows them naturally (Lesson 1)
Negative Space
Areas left alone without imagery; blank space (Lesson 1)
Inorganic Shapes
Geometric shapes like squares, circles, and triangles used to simplify the image or give it formal structure
(Lesson 1)
Symbolism
When artists use images and ideas to suggest other ideas indirectly (Lesson 2)
Cool Colors
Blues or greens; often used to represent night, water, or nature in visual art (Lesson 2)
Abolitionism
The movement to end slavery; a historic movement that sought to end the Atlantic slave trade and liberate
the enslaved people (Lesson 3)
Surrealism
A type of visual art that creates dreamlike and bizarre scenes dominated by symbolism (Lesson 3)
Cubism
Style of art that breaks down organic objects into geometric shapes to give them a new perspective and
make distinct impressions (Lesson 3)
Abstract
Art that doesn’t attempt to represent reality accurately and instead uses shapes, colors, and forms to
achieve an effect (Lesson 4)

9. Practice Elements of Art, Interpreting Culture,

Understanding the Artist, and Challenging
Open Link

10. Review
Open Link

Lesson 2 Exam
Open Link

Diversity Through Visual Art / Lesson 3: Disciplines of Visual Art
Lesson 3: Disciplines of Visual Art

Lesson 3 Overview
Overview
How is visual art created? How do artists use different mediums to share their ideas? Here,
you’ll study an overview of the materials and techniques used to make visual art. First, you’ll
learn the vocabulary that artists use to describe their disciplines. Then, you’ll analyze how
creative choices help artists share their values and celebrate their heritage.
Each decision an artist makes throughout their creative process is essential. You’ll use your
knowledge from your previous readings to evaluate the content, meaning, and purpose
behind diverse works of visual art. By the end of this reading, you’ll understand how various
creative disciplines to aid artists in cultural expression. This content will help you think
critically about the relationship between culture and creative choice-making.

Describe the stylistic foundations of diverse cultures
Interpret elements of cultural belief systems through technical choices and mixed media
Identify observations about cross-cultural influences in visual art
Summarize stylistic choices in visual art to expressions of personal belief and protest

questions

questions
Reflection: Ukiyo-e and

Written response Ungraded
Impressionism

questions

questions

grade

Section 1: Visual Art Media and Techniques Across Cultures
In this reading, you’ll learn about the visual art media and techniques that help define a
range of cultures. For thousands of years, people worldwide have developed traditional
styles and practices that preserve and celebrate their cultural values. By studying ancient
works such as sculptures, frescos, textiles, and calligraphy, you can learn about the unique
lifestyles, practices, and beliefs that helped shape modern-day societies.
First, you’ll explore the art of ancient Greece and the many styles of pottery and realistic
frescoes that remain today. Next, you’ll study the old Islamic art of calligraphy and learn
about ancient textile creation. Finally, you’ll explore the stylistic elements of African
sculpture and learn how some cultures create art using the natural elements around them.

2. Historical Styles of Greek, Islamic, and African Art
This page will explore three ancient cultures and the visual art traditions that helped define
their societies. Thousands of years ago, people from the shores of the Mediterranean to the
plains of Africa perfected the art of ceramics. Many pieces of pottery from this period served
both practical and aesthetic purposes. Meanwhile, stunning traditions of calligraphy emerged
in the Middle East as a visual art form that served both religious and decorative purposes.
Textiles such as gorgeous woven carpets became traditional symbols of Islamic culture.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a foundational understanding of the artistic
traditions of three critical historical cultures.
Key Takeaways:
Ancient Greeks were renowned for their many styles of pottery and detailed frescoes depicting the everyday cultural
practices of Greece.
Artists of the Middle East specialized in ornate calligraphy and textiles that continue to define many Islamic cultures
today.
Artists of ancient African cultures specialized in stylized geometric sculptures and clay ceramics created from
naturally available materials.

Media and Techniques of Greece
Pottery
The ancient Greeks had a rich culture still celebrated today. Pottery was one of the fine art
forms essential to ancient Greek culture. Greek pottery is some of the most beautiful and
intricate pottery in the world. It has a long and rich history, dating back to the eighth century
BCE.
There are many different styles of Greek pottery, each with its unique characteristics:
Geometric Style
Terracotta krater, attributed to the Hirschfeld Workshop, ca. 750–735 BCE; medium: terracotta.
The first style of Greek pottery is the Geometric style. This style is
characterized by its use of geometric shapes and patterns. The vase pictured
here depicts funerary rights in the classic Geometric style. The Geometric style
was popular in the early years of Greek pottery, from the eighth to the seventh
centuries BCE.
Corinthian Style

Terracotta neck-amphora (storage jar), Early Corinthian, ca. 620–590 BCE; medium: terracotta and black-figure.
The Geometric style was replaced by the Corinthian style in the seventh
century BCE. The Corinthian style is characterized by its use of motifs (a single
or repeated design or color) and patterns inspired by the Near East cultures.
This style became popular in the seventh century BCE and continued to be
used until the sixth century BCE.
Black-Figure Style
Terracotta Little Master cup, Archaic, ca. 565–550 BCE; medium: terracotta and black-figure.
The black-figure type replaced the Corinthian type in the sixth century BCE. The
black-figure style is characterized by its use of black figures on a red
background. This style was popular in the sixth and fifth centuries BCE.
Red-Figure Style

Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with two vertical handles): heads of a satyr and a woman, Attributed to Aison and to the
Class V: The Spetia Class of Head Vases, ca. 420 BCE; medium: terracotta and red figure.
The red-figure type replaced the black-figure style. The red-figure style is
characterized by its use of red figures on a black background. This style was
popular in the fifth and fourth centuries BCE.
Hellenistic Style
Terracotta pelike (jar), ca. 330–310 BCE; medium: terracotta and red-figure.

The Hellenistic style replaced the red-figure. Hellenistic style uses highly
realistic figures and detailed scenes. This style was popular in the fourth and
third centuries BCE. The Hellenistic style continued to be used until the Roman
period.
Frescos
Greek frescos were first created in the Minoan period between 2000 and 1600 BCE. A fresco
is a large painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling. These
paintings were usually found in the homes of wealthy Greeks, and they depicted scenes from
daily life or mythology. The most famous examples of Minoan frescos are found in the palace
of Knossos on the island of Crete. These frescos show a glimpse into the ancient Greeks'
everyday lives and cultural practices.
Woman with wax tablets and stylus, artist unknown, ca. 50; medium: fresco on gesso (Naples National Archaeological Museum, CC BY-SA 2.0,
via Wikimedia Commons).
As time went on, Greek frescos became more popular. They were often used to decorate
public spaces such as temples and government buildings. The most famous examples of
these public frescos are the ones that can still be seen in the ruins of Pompeii. These frescos
were preserved when a volcanic eruption destroyed the city, and they provide unique insight
into the lives of the people who lived there.
Greek frescos continued to be popular until the end of the Roman Empire. At this time, many
of them were destroyed or lost. However, there are still some examples of Greek frescos that
can be seen in museums and private collections worldwide. These paintings are a reminder of
the fascinating culture of ancient Greece, and they continue to inspire artists today.

Quick Check
What’s a single or repeated design or color?
Fresco Motif
Geometric Hellenistic

Media and Techniques of the Middle East
Calligraphy
Islamic art is one of the most beautiful and varied forms of art in the world. It’s characterized
by its unique use of geometry and floral designs and its emphasis on symmetry and balance.
One of the most popular elements of Islamic art is calligraphy.
Folio from the "Blue Qur'an", Made in Tunisia possibly Qairawan, ca. second half 9th–mid-10th century; medium: gold and silver on indigo-dyed
parchment.
Islamic calligraphy is the art of writing in a beautiful and elegant manner. It’s often used to
decorate mosques, homes, and other public spaces. The word "calligraphy" comes from the
Greek word "kallos," which means "beautiful." Calligraphy was first developed in the Arab
world during the seventh century. At first, it was used primarily for religious texts, such as the
Quran. However, it began to be used for other purposes, such as poetry and proverbs. There
are three main styles of Islamic calligraphy: cursive, Kufic, and Naskh.
Cursive is the most popular style of Islamic calligraphy. It’s characterized by its fluid, flowing
lines. Cursive is often used for poetry and other literary texts. Kufic is the oldest style of
Islamic calligraphy and is characterized by its angular, geometric shapes. Kufic was originally
used for religious texts, but it later became used for other purposes, such as architecture and
decoration. Naskh is the most used style of Islamic calligraphy and is characterized by its
clarity and legibility. Naskh is often used for documents and other formal texts.
Calligraphy can be used for various purposes, such as decoration, communication, and self-
expression. It’s an essential part of Islamic culture and can be found in many different forms,
such as paintings, carvings, and sculptures.
Textiles

Islamic textiles are a beautiful example of the art and culture of the Islamic world. The
patterns and designs used in these textiles are incredibly intricate and rich, often
incorporating floral and geometric designs. Some of the most famous Islamic textiles include
Islamic carpets, sometimes called oriental rugs.
Silk Kashan Carpet, made in Iran (probably Kashan), ca. 16th century; medium: silk (warp, weft and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile.
Islamic textiles have a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of Islam in the
seventh century. The Islamic world was incredibly prosperous during this time, and its textile
industry flourished. Islamic textiles were prized for their quality and craftsmanship, and they
were often used as diplomatic gifts between rulers.
One of the most popular design motifs in Islamic textiles is the arabesque. This motif is
characterized by its use of repetitive geometric shapes that are often interlocking or
overlapping. Arabesques are a type of ornamental design that originated in the Middle East
and North Africa. They're usually characterized by their intricate, swirling patterns, and they
can be used to add a touch of luxury or elegance. They were often used in architecture and
interior design, as well as in the creation of textiles, to create intricate and detailed patterns.
Other popular design motifs include calligraphy, which is often used to spell out religious
verses or poems, and geometric patterns.
Islamic textiles are stunning works of art, and they offer a glimpse into the rich history and
culture of the Islamic world.

Quick Check
What ornamental design is usually characterized by its intricate, swirling patterns and can be
used to add a touch of luxury or elegance?
Calligraphy Silk
Oriental rugs Arabesques

Media and Techniques of Africa
Sculpture
African art sculpture is one of the most interesting and unique forms of art globally. The
origins of this art can be traced back to prehistoric times, and it has evolved over the
centuries to become a distinctive part of African culture.
One of the most distinctive features of African art sculpture is its use of natural materials. This
includes wood, stone, and even clay. These materials were often used to create statues and
other sculptures that represented important aspects of African culture. For example, many
sculptures depicted animals or the faces of important gods. Others represented natural
landscapes.
Nok sculpture, originated in Nigeria, ca. 500BCE-500; medium: terracotta.
A significant characteristic of African art sculpture is its use of geometric shapes. This is most
evident in the Nok culture, known for its highly stylized sculptures. This culture used a variety
of inorganic shapes to create their art, including circles, triangles, and rectangles.
Another famous example of African sculpture is the Benin Bronzes. These sculptures were
created by the Edo people of Nigeria and date back to the fifteenth century. The bronzes are
made from brass and depict a variety of scenes from daily life, such as warriors and dancers.
African sculpture is some of the most unique and exciting in the world. African artists have
created sculptures throughout history that reflect their culture and traditions. Later, you’ll
explore the influence African sculpture had on other art forms.
“African Influences in Modern Art.”

African visual art contributed greatly to the avant-garde in the development of modern art.
To learn more about the impact of African art, read “African Influences in Modern
Art.”(https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/aima/hd_aima.htm).
Ceramics
One of the most stunning types of ancient African art is the ceramics created during that time.
Ceramics are vessels or objects made from baked clay, and they can be decorated with a
variety of different designs.
Blue-Painted Ibex Amphora from Malqata, New Kingdom Dynasty 18, ca. 1390–1353 BCE; medium: pottery, white cream slip, and paint.
One of the most distinguishing features of ancient African ceramics is that they were made by
hand. This means that each piece is unique and has its own characteristics. The shapes and
sizes of these pieces can vary greatly, depending on their purpose.
For example, some ceramic vessels were created for storage, while others were meant to be
used for ceremonial purposes. Pots were often used to meet the metaphysical needs of the
community, and some were even deliberately broken during spiritual rituals.
Nature often inspired the designs used to decorate ancient African ceramics. This is evident
in the use of geometric shapes and patterns. Animal and spiritual figures were also commonly
depicted in these pieces. The pieces were texturally rich for both practical and conceptual
purposes.
Many cultures have since abandoned the tradition of making ritualistic vessels. Once again,
the visual art left from these past cultures serves as a form of cultural preservation.

Quick Check
What are vessels or objects made from baked clay and decorated with a variety of designs?
Ceramics Sculpture
Arabesques Calligraphy


The following artists or pieces were discussed briefly in this reading. Select each to learn
more about them. You won’t be graded on this additional information.
Terracotta krater(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/248904)
Terracotta neck-amphora (storage jar)(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/247191)
Terracotta Little Master cup(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/247100)
Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with two vertical handles): heads of a satyr and a
woman(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/252924)
Terracotta pelike (jar)(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/247391)
Woman with wax tablets and stylus(https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3840/sappho-fresco-pompeii/)
Folio from the "Blue Qur'an"(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/454662)
Silk Kashan Carpet(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451470)
Nok sculpture(https://www.worldhistory.org/Nok_Culture/)
Blue-Painted Ibex Amphora from Malqata(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/544501?

searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&where=Africa&what=Ceramics&high=on&ao=on&showOnly=openAccess&ft=*&offset=0&rpp=40&pos=8)

3. Practice: Historic Greek, Islamic, and African Art
Open Link

Section 2: Interpreting Cultural Elements of Visual Art
In this reading, you’ll practice interpreting the cultural elements of visual art. One crucial
cultural element expressed through visual art is religious beliefs. A culture’s religious
beliefs are often celebrated through architecture, folk art, and sculpture. By studying the
vast types of religious art across diverse cultures, you can develop a meaningful
understanding of traditions that define societies worldwide.
First, you’ll explore religious architecture as a form of visual art. In Judaism and Islam,
buildings dedicated to worship and community are designed to house stunning traditional
works of art that celebrate religious beliefs and traditions. Next, you’ll learn about the
practices and beliefs behind diverse forms of mask making. Finally, you’ll learn how to
identify different religious statues and interpret their meaning as a celebration of both
modern and ancient belief systems.

Visual Art as Religious Expression
In this reading, you’ll learn how artists across diverse cultures use visual art to express
religious beliefs and traditions. You'll explore the relationship between design and religion,
encompassing synagogues designed to house stunning mural paintings and frescoes and
mosques that include ornate architectural designs. You’ll also learn about the distinctive
features of folk art called mask-making. Many cultures use masks to practice religious
ceremonies. You’ll learn what makes masks distinct across cultures in Africa, Asia, and
Central America. Lastly, you’ll learn how religious statues function as religious symbols and
important visual art pieces.
Key Takeaways:
Religious architecture has traditionally been designed to feature cultural art, including frescoes and murals. Some
religious structures, such as mosques, are designed as architectural pieces of visual art.
Mask-making has a long tradition worldwide as a kind of influential folk art. In Mexico, the Xantolo mask is used to
celebrate death and the afterlife, while tribal masks are used in folk religions throughout Africa for celebrations and
healing ceremonies.
Religious statues have been sculpted to celebrate diverse religious beliefs for centuries and serve as essential
figures to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions.

Religious Architecture as Visual Art
Jewish Synagogues
Judaism is a religion and ethnicity with a rich history of traditions and cultural practices. The
synagogue is the most important building in a Jewish community. It’s the place where Jews
come together to pray, learn, and celebrate their faith. The architecture and art of synagogues
are unique and varied, reflecting the history and culture of the Jewish people.
The sacrifice of Isaac according to the Dura synagogue, ca. 245; medium: paint and clay.
While some synagogues are simplistic in style, the synagogues of Europe were sometimes
lavishly decorated with paintings, sculptures, and stained-glass windows. Many of these
synagogues were destroyed during the Holocaust, but some have been restored and are now
open to the public.
Some examples of frescoes have also been found on the walls of early synagogues. These
frescoes, typically done in bright colors, depict biblical stories and scenes from Jewish history.
In some cases, they also include images of animals or plants.
During the late first century CE, Jews developed mural paintings as a narrative visual art
form. A mural s a painting applied to the surface of a wall or ceiling. The oldest surviving
Jewish murals are the Dura Europos synagogue paintings, dating back to the third century
CE. These murals, discovered in 1932, depict biblical stories such as the Exodus and the
Binding of Isaac.
Today, many modern synagogues continue the tradition of using art to enhance the
synagogue's beauty and promote Jewish learning.

Islamic Mosques
Islam is another religion with its own distinct religious and cultural practices. Mosques are an
important part of Islamic culture and art. They’re places where Muslims can come to pray and
learn about their faith. Mosques have a unique style characterized by their simplicity and
elegance.
The earliest mosques were built in the seventh century, shortly after the Prophet
Muhammad's death. The first mosques were simple structures made of mud and bricks. Over
time, however, they began to incorporate more elaborate features such as domes and
minarets. Today, there are many different styles of mosque architecture, but all mosques
share certain basic features.
Great Mosque of Kairouan, established by Uqba ibn Nafi, ca. 670; medium: stones and baked bricks.
One of the most distinguishing features of a mosque is its minaret. Minarets are tall towers
typically located at the corners of a mosque. You’ll notice the minaret in the Great Mosque of
Kairouan standing taller than all other parts of the mosque. Minarets are used to call Muslims
to prayer five times a day. Depending on the style of the mosque, minarets can be very simple
or very ornate.
Another important feature of mosques is their domes. Domes are large, round roofs often
decorated with Islamic calligraphy or geometric patterns. They’re a symbol of the Muslim faith,
and they help to create a sense of space and grandeur inside the mosque.
Mosques also typically have a courtyard, which is an open space surrounded by walls. The
courtyard is used for various purposes, such as prayer, study, and socializing.
There are many different styles of mosque architecture, but all mosques share these basic
features. Mosques are an essential part of Islamic culture and art, and they offer a unique
perspective on the Muslim faith.

Quick Check
What are the tall towers typically located at the corners of a mosque?
Domes Courtyards
Minarets Pillars

Religious Mask Making
Mexican Xantolo Mask

The Mexican Xantolo mask is a fascinating piece of traditional folk art with a rich history and
symbolism. This mask is typically worn during the annual Xantolo festival, which celebrates
death and the afterlife. The mask is made from papier-mâché and is often decorated with
feathers, beads, and other colorful materials. It has a long, snout-like nose, and its eyes are
usually painted black or red. The Xantolo mask is believed to represent the spirit of a dead
person and is thought to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
The Xantolo festival is a traditional holiday that Mexico has celebrated for centuries. It’s
typically observed in late October or early November and lasts for two days. The festival
honors the dead and is a time for families to remember their ancestors. Traditionally, Xantolo
was a time of feasting and merrymaking, but it’s also a time of mourning and remembrance.
During the festival, people often wear Xantolo masks and visit the graves of their deceased
loved ones. The Xantolo mask is an important symbol of Mexican culture and is a beautiful
example of traditional folk art.
African Tribal Masks

Masks have been created in Africa for centuries for various purposes, including ceremonial
events, communication with the spirit world, and protection from evil spirits. Many different
styles of masks are made in Africa, each with its own unique characteristics and meanings.
Mask (Mwaash aMbooy), Kuba (Bushoong subgroup) artist, late 19th or early 20th century. Rawhide, paint, plant fibers, textile, cowrie shells,
glass, wood, monkey pelt, feathers, 22 x 20 x 18 in. (55.9 x 50.8 x 45.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward
Memorial Fund, 22.1582. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 22.1582_overall_PS9.jpg)
One of the most common types of masks made in Africa is the tribal mask. Tribal masks are
usually made of wood, and they’re often decorated with feathers, beads, and other materials.
Men typically wear them during ceremonial dances or rituals. Tribal masks represent spirits or
ancestors, and they’re thought to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
Another type of mask that’s popular in Africa is the healing mask. Healing masks are usually
made of clay or wood, and they’re often decorated with shells, feathers, and other materials.
Healers wear them during ceremonies or rituals to protect the people being healed from evil

spirits. Healing masks also have the power to absorb negative energy, which makes them an
important part of many African cultures.
Chinese Shaman Masks and Exorcising Masks

Masks have a long history in China. Archaeologists have found masks that date back to the
Neolithic period. These early masks were made of clay and straw, and they were used in
ceremonies to ward off evil spirits. Masks continued to be used in religious rituals throughout
Chinese history. In the Shang Dynasty, bronze masks were used in ceremonies to honor the
dead. In the Zhou Dynasty, masks were used in exorcism ceremonies to drive away evil
spirits.
Bronze head from Sanxingdui, ca. 1300 - 1100 BCE; medium: bronze (image by Nishanshaman, CC BY-SA 3.0., via Wikimedia Commons).
Masks play an important role in Chinese shamanism. Shamans are religious leaders who act
as mediators between the human world and the spirit world. They use their powers to heal the
sick, promote fertility, and protect their community from evil spirits. Shamans often wear
masks during their ceremonies. The most common type of shamanic mask is the Baal, which
represents a spirit that can take on many different forms.
Chinese exorcism ceremonies are still performed today. Exorcists use a variety of methods to
drive away evil spirits, including chanting, singing, and playing music. They may also use fire,
incense, and water. The most essential tool in an exorcism is the exorcising mask. These
masks are usually made of wood or paper, and they’re often decorated with evil eyes or scary
faces. Exorcists believe that the masks will drive away the evil spirits that are troubling their
patients.
Mysterious Sanxingdui Ruins reveal more stunning relics

Presently, archeological digs are unearthing more relics from the late Shang dynasty.
Read “Mysterious Sanxingdui Ruins reveal more stunning

Quick Check
Which masks are usually made of wood and decorated with feathers, beads, and other
materials?
Exorcising mask Tribal mask
Mexican Xantolo mask Shaman mask

Religious Statues
Buddhist Statues
Buddhist statues have a long and rich history. In the early days of Buddhism, statues were
used to represent the Buddha and his teachings. Buddhist statues can be found in many
different countries, and each statue has its own unique story.
Buddha Offering Protection, Gupta period, late 6th–early 7th century; medium: copper alloy.
There are many different styles of Buddhist statues. Some statues are realistic, while others
are more stylized. Lifelike statues often depict the Buddha in his traditional robes and posture.
Stylized statues may show the Buddha in a more modern way, or they may be abstract
representations of the Buddha's teachings.
Buddhist statues can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, wood, metal, and
glass. Stone statues are the most common type of Buddhist statue. Wood statues are also
popular, and they can be carved into intricate designs. Bronze statues can be very ornate.
There are four main types of Buddhist statues: standing Buddhas, sitting Buddhas, reclining
Buddhas, and Buddha heads. Standing Buddhas are the most common type of statue, and
they depict the Buddha in a standing position. Sitting Buddhas are often used in meditation.
Reclining Buddhas depict the Buddha in a lying-down position, and they’re often used to
represent the Buddha's death. Buddha heads are statues that only show the head of the
Buddha, and they’re often used as decoration.
Some of the most famous Buddhist statues in the world include the Buddhas of Bamiyan and
the Jade Buddha. The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two giant statues that stood in Afghanistan
until the Taliban destroyed them in 2001. The Jade Buddha is a small statue located in a

temple in China. It’s one of the most revered statues in Buddhism, and it’s said to give its
owner good luck.
Maya Statues
The Maya were a fascinating culture with a unique blend of history, characteristics, and style.
One of the most intriguing aspects of their civilization is their art, which is beautifully displayed
in their statues.
Deity Figure, Honduras, Mesoamerica, Copan, Santa Rita region, 3rd–6th century; medium: jade (pyroxene jadeite).
The Maya were a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in the region that’s now
Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Mexico from around 2000 BCE to 1500 CE. During this time,
they created some of the most impressive works of art that have survived to the present day.
One type of artwork that’s particularly notable is their statues.
Maya statues were often carved from stone, and they typically depicted gods, goddesses, or
other vital figures from Maya mythology. These statues were not simply meant to be
aesthetically pleasing; they also served a religious purpose. For example, some statues were
placed in temples as a way of honoring the gods. Others were used in rituals, such as
ceremonies for the dead.
Despite their different purposes, all Maya statues share certain characteristics. They’re often
highly stylized, with intricate designs that reflect the Maya’s sophisticated understanding of art
and geometry. They also tend to be quite large; some statues are over six feet tall.
The style of Maya statues is also unique. One of the most distinctive features is their “stylized
naturalism,” which combines realistic elements with more abstract ones. This can be seen in
how figures are often depicted with both human and animal characteristics. For example, a
god might have a human body but an animal head. This style is unlike anything else from the
ancient world, and it shows the Maya’s creativity and imagination.
Akan Terracotta Statues

Akan terracotta statues are a unique form of art that’s found in Ghana. Terracotta is a
porous, clay-based material that’s then fired into the desired shape. Their simple yet elegant
style and spiritual significance characterizes these statues.
Memorial Head (Nsodie), Akan peoples, 17th –mid-18th century; medium: terracotta, roots, quartz fragments.
Akan terracotta statues have a long and rich history. The Akan people, an ethnic group native
to the Akan region of Africa, first created these statues. The Akan people have a long tradition
of creating terracotta sculptures, which they believe have spiritual and religious significance.
Akan terracotta statues are typically made from clay that’s found in the region. The Akan
people use a special type of clay that’s mixed with water and sand that gives the statue its
unique color and texture. The clay is mixed and formed into the shape of the statue. In much
of Africa, clay is an artistic medium primarily associated with women. Many of the Akan
statues can be attributed exclusively to female artists.
Akan terracotta statues are usually small, and they often depict human figures. The statues
are typically adorned with jewelry, and they often have a stoic expression on their face. Akan
terracotta statues are believed to have spiritual power, and they’re often used in ancestral
religious ceremonies.

Quick Check
What are Maya statues often carved from?
Terracotta Clay
Brick Stone


The following artists or pieces were discussed briefly in this lesson. Select each to learn
more about them. You won’t be graded on this additional information.
The sacrifice of Isaac according to the Dura synagogue(https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=1628)
Great Mosque of Kairouan(https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;isl;tn;mon01;2;en)
Mask (Mwaash aMbooy)(https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/2970)
Bronze head from Sanxingdui(https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2106080310/)
Buddha Offering Protection(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/38965)
Deity Figure(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/313262)
Memorial Head (Nsodie)(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/311024)

5. Practice: Visual Art as Religious Expression
Open Link

Section 3: Cross-Cultural Technical Influences
Here, you’ll learn how art from one culture influences the art created in other cultures.
You’ve learned about the historical and cultural foundations of many types of visual art.
Now, you’ll study how visual art traditions can spread and inspire artists in different
geographical locations and time periods.
First, you’ll revisit the art of Japan by reviewing the ukiyo-e style of art. You’ll see how the
impressionist movement was influenced by the technical style of subjects of Japanese
woodblock artists. Next, you’ll analyze the influence of African sculpture on cubists like
Picasso. The inorganic, geometric design of African sculpture offered a sense of freedom
from the rigid expectations of Western art culture. Finally, you’ll explore the
transformational influence of Chinese pottery across the globe.

Recognizing Technical Influences Across Cultures
Here, you’ll explore the cross-cultural influence of traditional visual art forms on modern art
movements. As Western artists became jaded with conventional styles of Renaissance art
and portraiture, they began to explore the styles of cultures worldwide. From impressionism to
cubism, modern artists drew on traditional art techniques in Africa and Asia to lead the art
world into new and unexplored territories.
It’s essential to explore these connections for several reasons. First, recognizing cross-
cultural influences will help you understand how cultures can affect one another both
creatively and socially. More importantly, it’s key to give credit to the foundational techniques
established by underrepresented cultures to avoid silencing or ignoring the critical
contributions of subcultures across the world.
Key Takeaways:
The Japanese style of ukiyo-e served as the primary influence that started the impressionist movement, ultimately
leading Western art beyond the scope of realism.
The inorganic and geometric style of African sculpture inspired cubism. African visual art's abstract, stylized nature
served as the foundation for many future abstract movements.
Chinese blue-and-white pottery is the single most important ceramic item in the history of the world. Its influence
reaches every corner of the globe, across all cultures and regions.

Ukiyo-e’s Influence on the Impressionist Movement

Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are some of the world's most iconic and well-known works. But
many people don't know that these prints had a considerable influence on impressionist art.
Ukiyo-e woodblock prints were developed in the seventeenth century and reached the height
of their popularity in the nineteenth century. The prints were mass-produced using a
woodblock printing process, which allowed for wide distribution. This made ukiyo-e prints
popular with the middle and lower classes, who were unable to afford original paintings.
The ukiyo-e style was characterized by its flat perspective, bold colors, and simple lines. The
impressionists would later adopt these elements. Ukiyo-e artists such as Katsushika Hokusai
and Utagawa Hiroshige were particularly influential on the impressionists.
A. Impressions Sunrise, Claude Monet, ca. 1874; medium: oil on canvas. B. The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Katsushika Hokusai, ca. 1831;
medium: color woodblock print.
Impressionism is a term first used in 1874 by French art critic Louis Leroy to describe the
paintings of Claude Monet. The word "impression" refers to the way that light reflects off
objects and creates an impression on the eye. Impressionists sought to capture this effect in
their paintings, using short brushstrokes and a bright palette of colors. Impressionism initially
met criticism from the art establishment, but it eventually became popular with the public.
The first impressionist exhibition was held in 1874, just a few years after the death of
Hiroshige. Many of the paintings exhibited at this show were clearly influenced by ukiyo-e.
Claude Monet's painting Impressions Sunrise (A.), the very painting that started the
impressionist movement, is a direct homage to Hokusai's famous print The Great Wave Off
Kanagawa (B.).
For example, both paintings depict a scene with water and boats. However, Monet's image is
much more abstract than Hokusai's. The colors are softer, and the lines are less defined. This
is typical of impressionist paintings.

A. The Child’s Bath, Mary Cassatt, ca. 1893; medium: oil on canvas. B. Bathtime (Gyōzui), Kitagawa Utamaro, ca. 1801; medium: woodblock
print, ink and color on paper.
Mary Cassatt's painting The Child's Bath (A.) is a response to Kitagawa Utamaro's Bathtime
(B.). The two paintings are similar in many ways. Each painting captures the intimate
moments between a mother and child. They’re a beautiful and moving depiction of
motherhood. Both paintings depict a mother and child and show the subject from a low angle,
looking up at the viewer. The composition of each painting uses flat perspectives and bold
colors.
The style of ukiyo-e was perfect for capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life. The bold
colors and flat perspectives were a departure from traditional Western art, which the
impressionists were eager to embrace. With its influence on some of the most famous
painters in history, ukiyo-e is truly one of the most important art movements of all time.
Ukiyo-e influenced other kinds of artists as well. For example, the ukiyo-e influence can also
be seen in the work of Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh was fascinated by Japanese art, and he
collected ukiyo-e prints. He incorporated elements of the ukiyo-e style into his own paintings,
such as flat perspectives and bold colors.

Quick Check
What style was characterized by its flat perspective, bold colors, and simple lines?
Existential style Modernist style
Ukiyo-e style Romanticism style

African Sculpture’s Influence on the Cubist Movement

African sculpture has long been an inspiration for artists around the world. Traditional African
sculpture is characterized by its use of simple shapes and forms.
These characteristics also include the following:

Three-dimensional human forms that tend to be figurative rather than literal
Forms that embody divine and supernatural beings
Functional in nature
Concept-based, fractal, and geometric in nature
Its simple yet powerful shapes and forms have been a source of creativity and influence for
many art movements, including cubism.
Cubism is a form of art that began in the early 1900s. It’s characterized by its use of
geometric shapes and abstract forms. This simplicity attracted artists such as Picasso and
Braque to African art in the first place. They saw in these sculptures a potential for abstraction
and simplification that they could apply to their own work. There was also a sense of
spirituality expressed through the highly stylized and fragmented human forms of African
sculpture. The result was a new form of cubism that incorporated elements of African art.
A. The Bathers, Roger de La Fresnaye, ca. 1912; medium: oil on canvas. B. Commemorative trophy head, Edo artist, ca. late 15th-early 16th
century; medium: copper alloy and iron inlay.
Cubism was not the only movement that African sculpture influenced. Other artists, such as
Matisse and Derain, were also drawn to the simplicity of these sculptures. They too sought to
incorporate elements of African art into their own work, resulting in a new form of fauvism
that African art heavily influenced.
In the 1912 cubist painting The Bathers (A.), the figure whose face is in the painting, the same
angular, abstract facial features and geometric detail appear in the Commemorative trophy
head (B.) sculpture from the fifteenth-century Edo state in Nigeria. The dramatic effects of the
sculpture are a result of the sharp cuts and expressive design of the artist. Linear carving and
faceted features result in a dramatically rounded face with geometrical eyes and nose.

The element that most drew Western artists to the African aesthetic was a sense of creative
escape. Rigid, outdated artistic traditions dominated the European art scene for centuries. On
the other hand, African art was unconcerned with Western ideals of beauty or rendering art
with fidelity to the real world.
African sculpture has clearly had a profound influence on the development of modern art. The
simple shapes and forms of these sculptures have inspired artists to create new and
innovative styles of art, which have had a significant impact on the course of history.
The integration of African-style imagery into the works of famous Parisian artists like Picasso
caused a sensation in the art world that lasted throughout the twentieth century. There was a
sudden appreciation for folk art, or art created through cultural traditions rather than formally
schooled artists. Some people began to use the problematic term primitivism to describe the
new appreciation for the simplicity of folk art.
However, primitivism is now recognized as problematic because it implies that the Western
gaze is superior to the African style of sculpture. The root word “primitive” suggests that non-
Western art is less developed and sophisticated. It implies a racist attitude and promotes
colonial values and judgments on African creativity.
The term isn’t a style; it’s an oppressive attitude promoted by the dominant culture. The term
offers a valuable lesson on the importance of learning and using appropriate language when it
comes to describing artwork. Additionally, terms like inorganic, geometric, and abstract are far
more accurate.

Quick Check
What is art created through cultural traditions rather than by formally schooled artists?
Fauvism Cubism
Folk art Primitivism

The Global Influence of Chinese Pottery

The history of Chinese ceramics is a long and illustrious one, dating back thousands of years.
From humble beginnings as utilitarian objects to becoming some of the most prized and
sought-after artworks in the world, Chinese ceramics have had a profound impact on global
art and culture.
The first Chinese ceramics were created during the Neolithic period, around 12,000 years
ago. These early pieces were simple pots and bowls used for everyday tasks such as cooking
and storage. Over time, the craft of ceramic-making began to evolve, and new techniques
were developed. By the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 AD), Chinese ceramics had reached a
new level of artistry and sophistication.
During the Tang dynasty (618-905 AD), Chinese ceramics reached their golden age. This was
a time of great prosperity in China, and the arts flourished. The most prized ceramic objects
from this period are the so-called “eggshell” porcelains, which are incredibly thin and delicate.
This style is characterized by its ornate designs and beautiful colors. The colors are typically
a mix of metallic and earth tones, with golds, greens, and reds predominating. Tang Dynasty
pottery was used for a variety of purposes, including serving food and drink, storage, and as
burial urns.
Jar with Winged Animals over Waves, mid-15th century; medium: porcelain with cobalt blue under a transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware).
In the fourteenth century, China produced cobalt blue and white porcelain. This type of
ceramic was highly sought after by European royalty and the upper classes. The demand for
Chinese ceramics continued to grow throughout the centuries, and by the nineteenth century,
museums and private individuals all over the world were collecting them. The creation of
blue-and-white ceramics remains one of the most important and influential artistic events in
history.

Many of these original blue-and-white ceramics were created in Jingdezhen, a kiln site that
became the mecca of blue-and-white porcelain production. Early cobalt blue was extracted
from Persian ore obtained through trade. It was rich in iron oxide, leading to a slightly purple
tint and darker spots on the glazed surface of the pottery. Later, clearer blues were derived
from Chinese manganese-rich cobalt blues. During the Ming period, an azurite blue called
shiqing became available. This shade is characterized by a dull pigment that ranges from
silver to purple in hue.
From the Tang dynasty onwards, Chinese ceramics were exported to other countries. The first
major wave of exports was to Japan, where the Japanese developed their own distinctive
style of ceramic art.
By the seventeenth century, Vietnamese, Persian, Turkish, and Mexican potters began to
produce wares in response to the Chinese blue-and-white porcelains, the world's most
desired and technically advanced ceramics. These artists created their own versions of
Chinese-style porcelains, often with great success. Today, the global influence of Chinese
ceramics can be seen in the work of contemporary artists all over the world. Thanks to their
timeless beauty and unique history, they’re highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs
across the globe.

Quick Check
What’s an early type of Chinese ceramics?
Utensils Platters
Pots Tables


The following artists or pieces were discussed briefly here. Select each to learn more
about them. You won’t be graded on this additional information.
Claude Monet(https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/cmon/hd_cmon.htm)
Katsushika Hokusai (https://www.katsushikahokusai.org/biography.html)
Mary Cassatt(https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/cast/hd_cast.htm)
Kitagawa Utamaro (https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Utamaro)
Roger de La Fresnaye(https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-de-La-Fresnaye)
Commemorative trophy head(https://africa.uima.uiowa.edu/chapters/ancient-africa/benin-kingdom/?start=2)
Jar with Winged Animals over Waves(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/75831)

7. Reflection: Ukiyo-e and Impressionism
Open Link

8. Practice: Art Through Cross Cultures
Open Link

Section 4: Art Movements as Statements of Personal Belief
Here, you’ll learn about the power of art as a statement of personal belief and protest
against the dominant culture. Visual art is a powerful way to represent your perspective.
Artists can challenge society in unique ways through symbolic and stylistic imagery to
make their point of view understood.
You’ll explore Romanticism, a movement that emphasized the beauty of the natural world.
Robert Duncanson was a famous artist that painted in the Romantic style and often
included references to his beliefs as an abolitionist. Next, you’ll learn about the unfair laws
restricting artistic expression during the rule of the Soviet Union. Rather than adhere to the
unfair laws, artists actively rebelled, giving birth to entirely new artistic movements. Finally,
you’ll learn about the Harlem Renaissance, an art movement inspired and driven by Black
artists who sought to reclaim their narrative in American society.

Romanticism, Futurism, and the Harlem Renaissance
Here, you’ll learn about three important artistic movements that exemplify the ways in which
art can be used as an expression of personal belief and protest the dominant culture. From
the serene landscapes of Romanticism to murals representing Black life during the Harlem
Renaissance, you’ll learn to interpret the artist’s unique perspective on political and social
issues through art. By the time you finish this, you’ll understand how artists combine style,
technique, and imagery to communicate complex points of view on culture and injustice.
Key Takeaways:
The Romantic art movement favored the beauty of the natural world, and some Romanticism era painters such as
Robert Duncanson included imagery to represent their abolitionist ideals.
The Soviet Union was a Communist government that tried to force all artists to create in the socialist realist style.
However, many artists rebelled against these policies, and many abstract movements were born.
The Harlem Renaissance was another vital art movement in which Black people sought to claim their own visual
narrative. Through murals and paintings, artists throughout the Harlem Renaissance era were able to dispel
stereotypes created by Black caricatures.

Abolitionist Sentiment in Romanticism

Romanticism was an artistic and literary movement that began in the late eighteenth century
and lasted until the mid-nineteenth century. Its characteristics include a focus on emotion,
nature, and individual freedom. Romantic artists sought to create art that was expressive and
emotional rather than realistic or objective. They believed that art should reflect the artist's
feelings and emotions rather than the external world.
The Romantics were not a unified group with a single set of beliefs or goals. As a result,
Romanticism evolved, with different artists adopting different styles and themes. In the early
1800s, Romanticism focused on nature and the natural world. This changed in the mid-1800s
when Romantic artists began to focus more on inner life and emotions.
Romanticism began as a response to the Enlightenment, which was a movement that

emphasized reason and rationality. The Romantics believed that the Enlightenment had
overemphasized reason and neglected emotions. As Romanticism evolved, it began to
incorporate more elements of the Gothic and the baroque periods. The Romantics also began
to experiment with new mediums, such as photography and film.
The characteristics of Romantic art vary depending on the individual artist, but some common
visual themes include the following:
Emphasis on nature and the natural world
Concern for the spiritual realm and the afterlife
Preoccupation with the individual and the subjective experience
Romantic idealization of the past
A focus on the emotions and inner life
Some artists during the period of Romanticism included allusions to their personal beliefs.
Robert Duncanson, for example, included imagery alluding to his abolitionist ideals.
Abolitionism, or the abolitionist movement, was the movement to end slavery.
Robert Duncanson was a Black artist and a leading figure in the Romantic movement. His
style is characterized by its use of light and color, and his paintings often depict landscapes or
scenes from history. Duncanson was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery, and many
of his works contain references to this cause.

Loch Long, Robert S. Duncanson, ca. 1867; medium: oil on canvas.
Duncanson began his career as a painter of portraits and miniatures but later turned to
landscape painting. He is considered one of the earliest American painters to depict scenes
from everyday life. Duncanson's works were exhibited in some of the most prestigious art
galleries in the United States and Europe. He was even honored with a solo exhibition at the
Louvre in Paris.
In Duncanson’s oil painting Loch Long, there’s a stunning scene of Scotland’s quiet
countryside. The panoramic view emphasizes the vastness of nature. Duncanson often
traveled to Europe to create his works due to the unfair restraints on Black artists during his
lifetime. This idealized landscape is romantic and serene. Two racially ambiguous human
figures stand at the center of the painting, walking hand in hand.
Despite his success, Duncanson faced racial discrimination due to the color of his skin. That
said, he was one of the few Black artists of his time who was able to achieve international
acclaim.

Quick Check
What was the movement to end slavery?
Abolitionist Tea Party
Populist Greenback

Art as Protest in the Soviet Union

In the early days of the Soviet Union, the government strictly controlled art. The purpose of
these laws was to restrict creativity and promote socialist realism in art. Socialist realism is
the glorified portrayal of objects and scenes as they’re seen in everyday life. This style
contrasts with the abstract art that was popular in the West.
Soviet law stipulated that all artworks must reflect the values of communism and support the
government’s ideology. In other words, the government wanted to use art as a form of
propaganda to control its people. Artists who did not follow these guidelines were often
punished or killed. Many artists resented these restrictions and actively created art in protest
of their creative freedoms.
Suprematism
One of the most famous examples of Soviet-era protest art is the work of Kazimir Malevich.
Malevich was a painter and sculptor who helped develop the suprematist movement, which
rejected traditional art styles in favor of geometric shapes and abstract designs. However,
because his work was seen as a threat to the Soviet government, Malevich was forced to flee
Russia in 1930.
Supremus No. 55, Kazimir Malevich, ca. 1916; medium: oil on canvas.
Suprematism can be described as an early form of abstract art that was developed in Russia
during the Soviet era. It’s characterized by its use of geometric shapes and stark colors, and
it’s often seen as a precursor to modern minimalism.
The suprematist movement continued to develop in Russia throughout the Soviet era, but the
government always opposed it. Many artists were arrested or exiled for their work, and many
of their paintings and sculptures were destroyed.
Futurism
Another new art movement called futurism emerged in Russia in defiance of the laws
enforced by the Soviet Union. Futurism was characterized by its innovative and experimental
approach to art, as well as its celebration of modernity and technology. The futurist artists
sought to capture the dynamism and energy of modern life in their work, and they pioneered
many new techniques and styles.

The futurists believed that art should be expressive and dynamic, and they rejected the
traditional values of beauty and harmony. They championed new technologies and modernity,
and they sought to create a new form of art that would reflect the dynamism and energy of
modern life.
Futurist artists developed many innovative techniques and styles, which they used to create
striking works of art. One of their most famous techniques was the “futurist explosion,” which
involved creating works that were composed of a series of abstract shapes and lines. The
futurists also pioneered the use of multimedia, and they often used music, dance, and poetry
to create multimedia performances.
The futurist art movement quickly gained popularity in Russia, and it soon spread to other
countries. The futurist artists were highly acclaimed by the public and critics, and they
became some of the most famous artists of their time.
“Art Movement: Futurism – Celebration of Movement.”
See examples of futurist art and read more about its attributes in the article, “Art
Movement: Futurism – Celebration of Movement.”(https://magazine.artland.com/art-
movement-futurism/)

Quick Check
Which movement is characterized by its innovative and experimental approach to art, as well
as its celebration of modernity and technology?
Romanticism Realism
Suprematism Futurism

The Harlem Renaissance

Between the 1920s and 1930s, Harlem was alive with a vibrancy and energy that’s still
unmatched today. Black people were finally free to express themselves artistically, and the
results were astounding. This period is now known as the Harlem Renaissance, and it was a
time of immense cultural and artistic growth. During this time, jazz music flourished, poetry
was written in abundance, and visual art reached new heights.
Visual art during the Harlem Renaissance was unique. Artists drew inspiration from their
African heritage, and they incorporated elements of jazz and blues into their work. One of the
most famous visual artists from this period is Aaron Douglas, who is known for his paintings
and murals that depict scenes from Black life.
Aaron Douglas
Aaron Douglas was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1899. When he was a young man, he
moved to Harlem, and it was there that he began to develop his unique style. The jazz music
of the time heavily influenced Douglas, and he often incorporated elements of this into his
paintings. He also drew inspiration from traditional African art, which is evident in his use of
bright colors and abstract shapes.
Douglas’s work was highly acclaimed, and he was one of the most famous visual artists of the
Harlem Renaissance. In addition to painting, he also created murals for public spaces. His
work is often considered to be a precursor to the Black pride movement of the 1960s and
1970s.
“Aaron Douglas: African American painter (1898-1979)”
Watch the video, “Aaron Douglas: African American painter (1898-

1979)”(https://youtu.be/aL8pcuuZNNM) to see Douglas painting, plus some of his most
famous works.
Jacob Lawrence
Another well-known artist is Jacob Lawrence, whose series of panels depicting the history of
Harlem are considered some of the most important works of art from the Harlem
Renaissance. Jacob Lawrence was born in 1917 in Harlem, and the vibrant art scene of the
time greatly influenced him. He began painting at a young age, and his work quickly gained
attention.
In 1941, Lawrence created his series of panels depicting the history of Harlem. The panels
were displayed in a museum in Harlem, and they were later shown at the Museum of Modern
Art in New York. The series was met with critical acclaim.
The creation of visual art depicting Black life was especially important because it allowed
Black people to regain control over their own representation. Up until then, many Black
people were depicted as caricatures. Caricatures are images that exaggerate certain
characteristics, and they often portray people in a negative light. By creating art that took a
firm stance, Black people were able to show the world that they were more than just
stereotypes.
The art from the Harlem Renaissance is a testament to the creativity and resilience of Black
creators. This period was a time of significant progress and accomplishment.
“How painter Jacob Lawrence reframed early American history with 'Struggle'”

Watch the video, “How painter Jacob Lawrence reframed early American history with
'Struggle'”(https://youtu.be/ivDIA0QHHJs) to review his art through his series, Struggle.

Quick Check
During the Harlem Renaissance, what kind of visual art was popular?
Paintings Music
Poetry Tapestry


Robert S. Duncanson(https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/duncanson-robert-s-1817-1872/)
Kazimir Malevich(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/malevich-kasimir/life-and-legacy/)
Aaron Douglas(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/douglas-aaron/life-and-legacy/)
Jacob Lawrence(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/lawrence-jacob/life-and-legacy/)
Review
Fresco
A large painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling (Lesson 1)
Calligraphy
The art of writing in a beautiful and elegant manner; often used to decorate mosques, homes, and other
public spaces like mosques (Lesson 1)
Mural
A painting applied to the surface of a wall or ceiling (Lesson 2)
Terracotta
A porous clay-based material that’s then fired into the desired shape (Lesson 2)
Impressionism
A term first used in 1874 by French art critic Louis Leroy to describe the paintings of Claude Monet; refers
to the way that light reflects off objects and creates an impression on the eye (Lesson 3)
Suprematism
An early form of abstract art that was developed in Russia during the Soviet era; characterized by its use of
geometric shapes and stark colors and often seen as a precursor to modern minimalism (Lesson 4)
Romanticism
An artistic and literary movement that lasted from the late eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century;
characterized by a focus on emotion, nature, and individual freedom (Lesson 4)
Harlem Renaissance
A time of immense cultural and artistic growth when jazz music flourished, poetry was written in
abundance, and visual art reached new heights (Lesson 4)

10. Practice: Art through Personal Beliefs
Open Link

11. Review
Open Link

Lesson 3 Exam
Open Link

Diversity Through Visual Art / Lesson 4: Technical and Expressive Components of Art
Lesson 4: Technical and Expressive Components of Art

Lesson 4 Overview
Overview
Here, you’ll learn about the complex principles that guide artistic expression in works of visual
art. Once you establish a foundational understanding of the principles that construct meaning,
you’ll learn how to interpret them. Through artistic principles, artists develop high-order ideas
about identity, culture, and individual perspectives. Learning to decode creative choices will
give you a better understanding of how art can offer insight into diverse points of view.

Identify the principles of visual art and design
Distinguish the styles of art through recent eras, including the relationship between each period and personal
expression
Determine the mood, theme, and tone of paintings to interpret elements of personal expression
Analyze visual works of art to empathize with diverse perspectives
Multiple-choice and multiple-response

questions

questions
Discussion: Mood, Tone, and

Written response Ungraded
Theme

questions

questions

grade

Section 1: The Principles of Visual Art
There are many principles of visual art that artists use to create their pieces. Here, you’ll
discuss the nine most important ones. These principles are balance, proportion,
movement, emphasis, pattern, rhythm, variety, harmony, and contrast. Artists use the
principles of visual art to construct meaning that goes beyond figures and colors. Artists
also evoke potent emotions and elicit unique ideas through their individual styles and use
of each principle. Learning about these concepts will help you better understand and
appreciate the perspectives of diverse artists. By the time you complete your studies, you’ll
know about the principles of design in visual art. You’ll also understand how to interpret
these principles to deconstruct the artist’s message.

The Principles of Visual Art
Here, you’ll explore how artists construct meaning through their work. Why do some visual art
pieces make you feel peaceful while others inspire a sense of anxiety? Artists craft their work
using the principles of visual art, each of which has its unique function in an image or
sculpture. First, you’ll explore the purpose behind visual balance, proportion, and movement.
Next, you’ll explore how artists draw your eye around a work of art through emphasis,
contrast, and harmony. Finally, you’ll learn about the principles of variety, pattern, and rhythm
that make viewers want to keep looking once a piece of art catches their attention.
Key Takeaways:
Artists use certain principles to organize elements of expression and communicate their unique points of view.
By alternating principles such as compositional balance and proportion, artists can affect how viewers interpret
ideas in visual art.
Principles such as variety, pattern, and rhythm create visual engagement that entices viewers and creates meaning
through imagery.

Balance, Proportion, and Movement

Artists use certain principles to organize elements of expression and communicate their
unique points of view. The first three elements include balance, proportion, and movement.
Balance
Balance is the principle that governs how much visual weight an object has in a composition.
It’s the distribution of elements in an image to create a sense of equilibrium.
This distribution uses symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial balance:

Symmetrical balance is when objects are arranged to mirror images of each other.
Asymmetrical balance is when objects are arranged in an off-center way.
Radial balance is when visual elements are distributed around a central point in all directions.
Artists can use balance to affect the viewer’s experience as they interpret a work of visual art.
For example, you may feel a sense of calm and peace viewing a painting with beautiful
symmetrical balance, whereas an uncomfortably asymmetrical piece can cause unsettling
feelings.
Contraste, Joaquín Torres García, ca. 1931; Medium: oil on canvas.
Joaquín Torres-García was an Uruguayan artist who is often considered one of the fathers of
abstract art. Torres-García was born in 1874 in Montevideo, Uruguay. He began his career as
an artist at a young age, studying painting and sculpture in Europe. After returning to
Uruguay, he became involved in the local art scene and experimented with abstract art. His
masterful command of balance can be seen in his 1931 piece, Contraste. He includes a
perfect balance of symmetry and positive and negative space through abstract shapes
suggestive of a church.
Proportion

Proportion is the relationship among the size or scale of different elements in a composition.
This relationship helps to create a sense of order and harmony in an image. Proportions can
be realistic or exaggerated, depending on the artist’s intention.
For example, in a landscape painting, the flowers should be smaller than the trees for the
image to appear proportionate to real life. Sometimes, artists play with proportion to alter the
effect of the piece on the viewer. Absurd or uncomfortable proportions in a work of art draw
the viewer’s attention to essential concepts and ideas.
Photographers rely on distance to create proportion. They often position subjects closer or
farther away from the lens to create the illusion that they’re larger or smaller than reality.
Proportion in Art—What Does Proportion Mean in Art?
To learn more about proportion in art and see examples, read “Proportion in Art—What
Does Proportion Mean in Art?”(https://artincontext.org/proportion-in-art/).
Movement
Movement is what gives life to an image and helps to create a sense of motion and
dynamics. Artists create a feeling of movement through skillful use of visual art elements.
Specifically, movement is made using a blend of lines, shapes, and colors. Movement can
also be used to direct the viewer’s attention to various elements of the composition.
Esther before Ahasuerus, Artemisia Gentileschi, ca. late 1620s–1630s; Medium: oil on canvas.
For example, study Artemisia Gentileschi’s painting, Esther before Ahasuerus. In the biblical
scene portrayed by Gentileschi, Esther goes before her husband, the king Ahasuerus,
unannounced. This action breaks protocol and could be punishable by death. Esther, who is
Jewish, chooses to do this after Ahasuerus orders the execution of Jewish people. You’ll
notice Gentileschi paints both Esther and the king at almost parallel diagonal angles. She has
Ahasuerus lean forward in his chair as Esther faints backward, caught by the women behind
her. The diagonal angles in the curtains in front of and behind the king give the effect of
drawing the eye toward him, as if to remind the viewer to pay attention to him instead of just
Esther. There’s also direct contrast in how they’re both posed. Esther is falling backward, her
chin receding into her neck, while Ahasuerus is leaning forward and looks like he is about to
stand up, his chin jutting out toward her. This is a very dynamic scene created by Gentileschi,
with a lot of movement from both Esther and the king.

Quick Check
Which kind of balance is achieved when visual elements are distributed around a central point
in all directions?
Proportional balance Radial balance
Symmetrical balance Asymmetrical balance

Emphasis, Contrast, and Harmony
Emphasis
Emphasis is the principle that governs how important an element is in a composition. It draws
attention to specific details and creates a focal point. For example, an artist might use a bright
color or a large shape to create emphasis. Creating emphasis is a way to control the viewer’s
experience of a work of art. Without directly telling you where to look, the artist can use
emphasis to command your eye when you look at an image. There are a few different ways to
create emphasis, but the most common is by using contrast.
Contrast
Contrast is when two elements are placed next to each other, and one is significantly
different from the other. It helps create visual interest and can be used to direct the viewer’s
attention. Contrast can be made using different colors, shapes, sizes, and textures.
Artists often use contrasting colors to draw your attention to aspects of an image. Contrasting
colors are also known as complementary colors, and they create a sense of tension and
excitement in a composition. For example, red complements the color green. If an artist
wanted to create emphasis on something green in their image, they might use a touch of red.
Another way that artists employ contrast is by using space. All images have areas of positive
space and negative space that break up different areas of an image to draw the eye in
different directions. Texture can also be used to create visual contrast. Varied textures can
create alternating levels of detail, such as placing a shiny surface next to a matte surface.
Series I, No. 8, Georgia O’Keeffe, ca. 1919; Medium: oil on canvas.
Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the most renowned American painters of the twentieth century.
She is best known for her paintings of flowers and landscapes, which often feature expansive,
abstract shapes and bold colors. Her Series 1, No. 8 is a masterpiece of art that perfectly
captures her unique style and talent.

This painting is a striking example of O’Keeffe’s early work, and it showcases her talent for
creating powerful and evocative images. The composition is simple but effective, with the
large, abstract shapes dominating the canvas. The colors are bold and vibrant, adding to the
overall effect of the painting. O’Keeffe’s use of complementary colors, such as vivid blue and
pale yellow, is particularly striking and creates a sense of depth and intensity. She also
includes the complementary colors green and red, adding additional contrast that holds the
eye’s attention.
Harmony
Harmony is the principle that governs how well the elements in a composition work together.
It creates a sense of unity and coherence. Harmony can be achieved by using similar colors,
shapes, and textures.
For example, in a seascape painting, an artist might create harmony among such elements as
water, waves, boats, sky, and shoreline using the similar colors of blue, teal, and pale green.
Similar colors such as blue and green are called analogous colors. They tend to match well
and create a calm and peaceful feeling in a composition.

Quick Check
Which choice is an example of complementary colors?
Red and green Yellow and green
Red and orange Blue and violet

Variety, Pattern, and Rhythm
Variety
Variety is the principle that governs how often different elements are used in a composition. It
helps to keep the viewer’s attention engaged and prevents the image from looking too static.
Variety can be created using different shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. You can think of
variety as a counterweight to harmony, adding dimension.
For example, an artist might use a mix of geometric and organic shapes in their composition.
An artist may also use various complementary colors to create interplay and interest. Such
technique draws and holds your attention to a particular area of the image.
Pattern
Pattern is the repetition of certain elements in a composition. It can be used to create unity
within an image or add interest. For example, a painter might use a series of geometric
shapes that are all the same size and shape to create a balanced pattern. Artists often use
patterns to create a sense of rhythm in their work.
There are several different types of patterns that artists can use. The most common type is a
geometric pattern, which is made up of shapes like squares, circles, and triangles.
Geometric patterns can be quite simple or highly complex, and they can be used to create a
variety of effects in a painting or design.
Another type of pattern that artists often use is an organic pattern. This pattern consists of
natural shapes such as leaves, flowers, and vines. Organic patterns help create a relaxing or
calming effect in a work of art.
Finally, artists can also use abstract patterns. This type of pattern uses inorganic shapes
and isn’t based on real-world shapes or objects. Artists use abstract patterns to create a
variety of moods and effects. These patterns can be very unpredictable, creating an
emotionally evocative effect on the viewer.
One of the more exciting demonstrations of abstract patterns is street art. Street art is visual
art created in public locations for public visibility. In the past, it’s been associated with graffiti.
However, graffiti doesn’t always have permission to be displayed in public locations, while
street art does.
Mural on Wylie St. in Atlanta, Sanithna Phansavanh, ca. 2017; Medium: acrylic paint (Agrudick, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons).

Sanithna Phansavanh paints murals throughout the Atlanta, Georgia area. In his mural found
on Atlanta’s Wylie Street, abstract patterns surround the woman in the piece. According to
Phansavanh, he predominantly paints women because they’re the greatest allies in his own
life. Consider the bright, joyous colors and the rapid lines coming from the woman. These
abstract patterns give the impression of strength, excitement, and passion emanating from
her. The shapes in the background of the mural lend an exciting, powerful mood to the work.
Sanithna Phansavanh
Read more about how Sanithna Phansavanh uses painting as his greatest form of
expression and why women are such a focal point of his art in “Human Exploration: The
transitory and ethereal figures of Sanithna
Phansavanh.”(https://reporternewspapers.net/2021/11/11/human-exploration-the-
transitory-and-ethereal-figures-of-sanithna-phansavanh/)
Rhythm
Rhythm is the principle that governs how the elements in an image are arranged. It creates a
sense of movement and can be used to convey a feeling or mood. Rhythm is often created by
using repetition or alternation.
American Indian Symbols, Marsden Hartley, ca. 1914; Medium: oil on canvas.
For example, an artist might use a series of lines of the same length to create a rhythmic
pattern. Alternation is when different elements are used in place of each other to create
rhythm. Variety is the principle that governs how many different elements are used in an
image. Variety helps to keep the viewer’s attention engaged by providing visual interest.
Marsden Hartley’s painting American Indian Symbols is a masterpiece that encapsulates the
artist’s fascination with Native American culture. The painting was completed in 1914, and it
demonstrates a masterful use of compositional rhythm.
The focal point of the painting is the figure in the center, which is surrounded by a series of
geometric shapes representing teepees. The teepees are arranged to converge upon the
centered subject. These shapes create a sense of motion and energy that draws the viewer’s
eye toward the center of the painting. The use of color is also highly effective, with different
shades of blue and green creating a sense of depth.

Quick Check
Shapes such as leaves, flowers, and vines are examples of what kind of pattern?
Abstract pattern Geometric pattern
Organic pattern Rhythm pattern


Joaquín Torres García (https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/joaquin-torres-garcia)
Artemisia Gentileschi(https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/artemisia-gentileschi)
Georgia O’Keeffe(https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/about-georgia-okeeffe/)
Sanithna Phansavanh(https://art.sanithna.com/information/)

3. Practice: The Principles of Visual Art
Open Link

Section 2: The Evolution of Composition in Art
Here, you’ll explore how artists have used the principles of art to express their ideas over
time. The modern art movement marked the beginning of art as a means of personal
expression. Many artists took the opportunity to celebrate parts of their personal identity
within their work. By the 1950s, a new art movement called postmodernism took hold of the
art community. Suddenly, visual art became an essential medium for the open expression
of personal identity, and the art world exploded with more diverse artists than ever before.
Through their work, diverse artists were able to bring unique perspectives to a broad
audience. Finally, you’ll learn about the contemporary art movement that challenges the
notion of what constitutes visual art and how visual art functions in society.

Modernism, Postmodernism, and Contemporary Art
You’ll soon learn about the evolution of artistic composition as a means of personal
expression. Modern artists led the way in breaking the strict rules and traditions of academic
art. Visual art became a medium through which individual identity could be expressed. Artists
like Rosa Bonheur pushed the boundaries of how art functions by including references to
herself within her work.
You’ll also explore the development of postmodernism and contemporary art, which pushed
the boundaries of composition and artistic principles in entirely new ways. Artists such as
Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat changed the landscape of visual art in ways that
continue to influence visual culture today. Finally, you’ll learn how contemporary art seeks to
elevate diverse perspectives and challenge the viewer’s experience in new and exciting ways.
Key Takeaways:
Modern art, created between the 1860s and 1970s, rejected the strict academic rules of previous centuries by
promoting self-expression and emotion.
Postmodern art, created after 1950, shifted the focus of visual art to the audience’s experience. During this period,
artists began defying stereotypes and experimenting with new mediums.
Contemporary art, created within the last 50 years, often offers political and social commentary, and it seeks to
enlighten audiences by challenging dominant culture through visual expression.

Composition in Modern Art

Now that you have a basic understanding of the principles of visual art, you can apply your
knowledge to interpret the visual meaning behind artistic works. Over the course of history,
creative styles of expression have changed. Yet the identities, cultures, and points of view
behind the works have remained equally meaningful and important for viewers to understand.
Expression in Modern Art

Modern art, or art created between the 1860s and 1970s, is characterized by experimental
styles that rejected traditional academic rules that governed earlier artistic creation. Before
the era of modern art, most artists painted for wealthy patrons or church officials rather than
as a mode of self-expression. Modern art celebrated the expression of personal identity,
symbolism, and abstract ideas and emotions.
Rosa Bonheur
Rosa Bonheur was a modern female artist in the 1800s who refused to be constrained by
societal norms. As a result, she became one of the most successful painters of her time. Her
work was exhibited worldwide, and she was even made a member of the French Academy of
Fine Arts, the first woman to be so honored.
As a young child, Rosa Bonheur knew she wanted to be an artist. She was born on May 22,
1822, in Bordeaux, France, into a family of artists; her father was a painter, and her mother
was a musician. When she turned sixteen, Bonheur moved to Paris to attend art school. At
first, she met resistance from her male classmates and professors, who believed that women
couldn‘t be serious artists. But Bonheur proved them wrong and became one of the most
successful painters of her time. Bonheur was also openly a lesbian when such an identity was
considered taboo.
La foire du cheval (The Horse Fair), Rosa Bonheur, ca. 1852–1855; Medium: oil on canvas.
Bonheur’s artwork often depicted animals in natural settings, and she was known for her
attention to detail and her realistic portrayals of animals. Bonheur was particularly interested
in horses and is said to have spent hours observing them. One of her most famous paintings
is The Horse Fair, completed in 1853.
To paint The Horse Fair, Bonheur dressed as a man to avoid drawing attention to herself as a
woman at the horse market. Bonheur creates a comfortable, symmetrical balance in the
painting, with horses and motion evenly distributed throughout. The trees become

proportionally larger the closer they are to the viewer, creating an easy illusion of depth.
Bonheur uses the direction and motion of the horses to develop a sense of movement.
The contrast created by the white horse at the center catches the eye‘s attention as you
follow the motion of the horses from left to right. Lingering on the brightly emphasized horse
in the center, your eye also catches a single figure gazing directly back at the viewer.
Unlike the other human figures that seem to be wrestling with the chaos of the horses, this
figure is different, appearing calm and collected. Experts believe that this figure represents
Bonheur herself, presented in masculine attire. Bonheur uses the principles of visual art to
guide your eye to this hidden detail, a deeply personal expression of identity tucked away
amid the chaos of a horse market.
Bonheur’s success as an artist was not only due to her talent but also to her determination
and perseverance. She represents one of the first artists to transition into the era of modern
art. Although she employed many traditional compositional styles, she often did so as a
means of personal expression.

Quick Check
Which type of art is characterized by experimental styles that rejected the traditional academic
rules governing earlier artistic creation?
Contemporary art Modern art
Baroque art Renaissance art

Composition in Postmodern Art

Postmodernism first emerged in the 1950s as a response to the perceived shortcomings of
modernism. Modernism was characterized by its focus on rational order and abstraction.
Postmodern artists sought to create art that was more accessible and reflected the world’s
chaotic nature. They were also interested in exploring different mediums and challenging
traditional notions of art. Many postmodern artists experiment with traditional mediums and
combine elements of various styles to create unique pieces that defy categorization.
Postmodernism focuses primarily on the audience’s experience while viewing the work.
Postmodernism also challenges the idea of fixed meaning in art. Many pieces are designed to
provoke a reaction from the viewer and make them question the meaning behind the work.
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1928. He was a painter, sculptor, and
filmmaker best known for his pop art. Pop art is an exciting, colorful art movement that
features images inspired by commercialism and pop culture.
Warhol’s parents were immigrants from Austria-Hungary, and he was raised in a working-
class family. In the third grade, he was diagnosed with a rare disease called Sydenham’s
chorea, a disorder that causes sudden, jerking movements throughout the body.
After dropping out of college, Warhol moved to New York City and began working as a
commercial illustrator. He soon rose to prominence as one of the leaders of the pop art
movement. Warhol’s work is characterized by its use of bright colors and iconic images from
popular culture. His work often explores the relationship between art and mass media.
One of Warhol’s most famous images is the Marilyn Diptych,

(https://smarthistory.org/warhol-marilyn-diptych/) which features a portrait of Marilyn
Monroe on several panels. The repetition of the image across multiple panels creates a
sense of harmony, while the varying, contrasting color palettes in which she’s depicted
create an exciting sense of variety.
The contrast represents Monroe’s colorful public persona compared to her painful
personal life. The viewer is left contemplating the nature of Warhol himself, who was
thought to put on a public act when in the spotlight. Finally, the viewer reflects on their
own public persona and how their personal lives are often revealed to be drastically
different from how they seem on the outside.
Oscar Howe
Oscar Howe was a twentieth-century Indigenous painter and sculptor from the Yankton Sioux
tribe. He is considered one of the most influential artists during an increased production
period of Indigenous art. Howe challenges the stereotypes of Indigenous art because his work
isn’t based on traditional themes or imagery. Instead, he creates abstract and expressionist
paintings that explore the universal human experience. The universal human experience
describes the joys, challenges, and sorrows shared among people, regardless of individual
identity.
Howe’s work is characterized by its bright colors and abstract shapes, which he often
used to depict scenes from his tribal heritage. In his painting Umine
Dance(https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/dakota-modern-art-oscar-howe:event-exhib-6561),

Howe uses vibrant reds and oranges to depict a ceremonial dance. The balanced
composition and lines of movement create a viewer’s sense of witnessing the subjects
mid-motion. The repetition of color and movement creates an upbeat rhythm. Howe’s non-
traditional composition may also contradict any preconceived notions of Indigenous art.
Despite his success as an artist, Howe faced many challenges throughout his life. He was
often discouraged by the art establishment, which saw his work as too experimental.
However, today, Oscar Howe’s work is celebrated by art lovers and collectors worldwide. His
paintings and sculptures can be found in major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum
of Art in New York City and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

Quick Check
Which artists sought to create art that was more accessible and reflected the world’s chaotic
nature?
Baroque Renaissance
Postmodern Modern

Composition in Contemporary Art

Contemporary art refers to artwork that has been created in the present day, which typically
means in the last 50 or 60 years. This could include any type of medium, from painting and
sculpture to installation art.
Contemporary art is often characterized by its political and social commentary. Contemporary
artists often use their work to address critical issues and explore new ideas. For example, the
feminist movement led to new types of artwork that explored women’s experiences and
perspectives.
Additionally, contemporary art is often characterized by its use of new or experimental

mediums. For example, an artist might use digital technology to create a work of art or use
unusual materials in their sculptures.
Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman was born in 1954 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. After studying photography, she
moved to New York City and began her career as an artist. Cindy Sherman’s art explores
some of the most critical issues facing society today. Her work is provocative and thought-
provoking, as it challenges the way women are viewed and depicted in society.
For example, in her 1970s series Untitled Film Stills(https://publicdelivery.org/cindy-

sherman-untitled-film-stills/), Cindy Sherman posed as various characters in classic
Hollywood films. These photographs critique the portrayal of women in the media. Each
photograph represents a stereotypical, generic female character. The images often mimic
the same balance, proportion, and emphasis seen in B movies and horror films of the
1950s and ’60s. The overall result is a critique of these works.
In the Untitled Film Stills(https://publicdelivery.org/cindy-sherman-untitled-film-stills/)

series, Sherman subverts the traditional male gaze by reversing roles and highlighting the
inauthentic portrayal of women. This series is a powerful statement about the role of
women in society and the narrative created by the media.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1960. He was a painter best known
for his graffiti art. Graffiti art is usually created on walls or surfaces using spray paint and
stencils. Graffiti doesn’t always have public permission, which can get an artist into legal
trouble. Basquiat’s work is heavily influenced by Black culture and street life. His paintings are
often filled with cryptic symbols and references to pop culture.
Basquiat began his career as a street artist, spray-painting graffiti on buildings in New York
City. He was discovered by an art dealer named Annina Nosei and was soon exhibiting his
work in galleries worldwide. Like Warhol, Basquiat used popular culture references in his
paintings to create an immediate connection with the viewer.
One of his most famous paintings is Untitled (1982)

(https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/contemporary-art-evening-auction-
n09761/lot.24.html), which features a skull in the center of the canvas. The painting is filled
with symbols and references to Black culture. The use of bright, contrasting colors and graffiti-
style writing create a striking, vibrant image. In addition, there’s a chaotic balance to the
painting because of its asymmetrical composition. Untitled made Basquiat the youngest artist
to earn $100 million for a piece when it sold at auction for $110.5 million.

Quick Check
What art is often characterized by its political and social commentary?
Renaissance art Postmodern art
Contemporary art Modern art


Rosa Bonheur(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/bonheur-rosa/life-and-legacy/)
Andy Warhol(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/warhol-andy/life-and-legacy/)
Oscar Howe(http://www.nativepartnership.org/site/PageServer?pagename=airc_bio_oscarhowe)
Cindy Sherman(https://www.moma.org/artists/5392)
Jean-Michel Basquiat(https://www.thebroad.org/art/jean-michel-basquiat)

5. Practice: The Evolution of Composition in Art
Open Link

Section 3: Exploring Mood, Tone, and Theme
Here, you’ll explore how artists create mood, tone, and theme in works of visual art. Mood
is the first thing that an artist must consider. It can be evoked using bright colors, dark
colors, cheerful images, depressing images, or other elements that instill strong feelings in
the viewer. Tone is another important aspect of a painting that can affect its mood. Tone is
what gives an image its feeling or atmosphere. Finally, an artist must decide on a theme for
their work. A theme is a subject or idea that the artist wants to express in their painting. It
can be something as simple as a feeling, an emotion, or a more complex idea that the
artist seeks to explore.

Understanding Mood, Tone, and Theme
Now, you’ll learn how artists use mood, tone, and theme in their works. The mood, tone, and
theme of an artwork are important elements that contribute to its overall impact. For example,
when creating a painting, an artist must consider how the chosen colors will create a certain
feeling or emotion. They must also think about the piece’s tone, whether it’s dark and serious
or more lighthearted. Finally, artists must decide on a theme to give their work purpose and
meaning. By the time you finish reading this material, you’ll understand how artists use the
elements and principles of art to develop mood, tone, and theme.
Key Takeaways:
Mood describes the overall atmosphere of a work of art and how the viewer feels when observing the work. The
mood of a work can be happy, sad, angry, peaceful, or any other emotion.
Tone is the brightness or darkness of the color palette used in the painting. It can be created through the use of light
and dark colors, the way elements in the painting are arranged, and the use of shadows.
Theme describes the universal issue or topic that a painting addresses. Rather than exploring the story of an
individual subject in a work of art, theme is a broader, universal message.

Developing an Emotional Response

To understand the message behind an artist’s composition, viewers need to know how to
interpret mood, tone, and theme. Mood describes the overall atmosphere of a work of art and
how the viewer feels when observing the work. The mood of a work can be happy, sad, angry,
peaceful, or any other emotion.
How does an artist create emotion in their work? Various techniques help them in this regard.

Quick Check
Which type of metaphor is an element of a work’s setting that represents something other than
itself?
Spatial Visual
Composition Stylistic

Asserting the Artist’s Attitude

One of the most important aspects of any work of art is tone. Tone is what gives a painting its
feeling or atmosphere. Tone can be used to create a wide variety of effects, and it’s often one
of the first things that people notice about a painting or photograph. Tone is the brightness or
darkness of the color palette used in a painting. It’s created through the use of light and dark
colors, the way elements in the image are arranged, and the use of shadows. Tone is different
from mood because it represents the artist’s attitude toward the subject.
The tone of a painting can also be made sad or happy by what the artist chooses to include in
the work. For example, a painting with mostly dark colors will feel more sad or serious than a
painting with bright colors.
Lightness, Darkness, and Color

There are a few different ways artists can create tone. One of the most common techniques is
to use light and dark values of the same color. This can be done by adding white or black
paint to the color or using a lighter or darker shade of the same color.
Artists can also create tone by adding different colors together. When two colors are mixed, a
new color is created. This new color will have its own tone, which will combine the two original
colors.
Berthe Morisot
Berthe Morisot was a French painter who is considered one of the first female impressionists.
She was born in 1841 and exhibited her work for the first time when she was only 21 years
old. Her paintings are known for their balanced colors and loose brushstrokes, which often
suggest a calm, pensive tone.
Morisot was born into a wealthy family in Bourges, France. Her father was a judge, and her
mother was a musician. She studied art at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris,
where she met other soon-to-be impressionist painters, including Claude Monet and Pierre-
Auguste Renoir.

The Mother and Sister of the Artist, Berthe Morisot, ca. 1869–1870; Medium: oil on canvas.
In 1874, Morisot married Eugène Manet, whose brother, Édouard Manet, was also an artist.
The couple began exhibiting their work together. Morisot was one of the few female artists to
be accepted into the impressionist circle, and her paintings are some of the most well-known
and beloved within the movement. Her works often feature an intimate view of the private
lives of female subjects. This was quite unusual for a woman painter at the time.
For example, in The Mother and Sister of the Artist, Morisot captures her sister and mother as
they relax in their sitting room. One-half of the painting is full of brightness and color, and it
perfectly encapsulates a warm atmosphere. Morisot’s sister, Edma, seems illuminated despite
her solemn expression. The other half of the painting features Morisot’s mother. The image’s
tone notably shifts when it comes to Morisot’s mother. In contrast to Edma, she is shrouded in
black, her expression shadowy and fixed.
The tone is likely so somber because Edma was concealing a pregnancy during this time.
Morisot manages to depict the dignified beauty of her mother and sister while still
communicating the heavy toll an unmarried pregnancy took on an upper-class family during
this time.

Quick Check
What’s the tone of The Mother and Sister of the Artist by Berthe Morisot?
Stimulating Cheerful
Romantic Pensive

Creating a Universal Message

Theme describes the universal issue or topic addressed by a painting. Rather than
understanding the story of an individual subject in a work of art, theme is a broader message
that applies to many people and situations.
Developing Theme
When it comes to creating a theme for their work, many artists draw inspiration from their
personal experiences and the things they’re passionate about. For example, an artist might
create a series of paintings that explore nature’s beauty or the human experience. Other
artists might focus on social issues or political topics in their work.
Regardless of the topic they choose to explore, artists typically use various techniques to
communicate their ideas. For example, they might use symbolism, metaphor, or allegory to
create a more powerful and meaningful message. They might also use color and composition
to enhance the impact of their theme.
Jean-François Millet
The Gleaners is a painting by Jean-François Millet. He was a French painter who is best
known for his paintings of rural life. Millet’s art is characterized by its simplicity and realism.
He often depicted peasants working in the fields or women doing household chores. Millet’s
work reflects the values of the French peasantry.
The Gleaners, Jean-François Millet, ca. 1857; Medium: oil on canvas.
Millet’s paintings are often considered some of the most important examples of realism in art.
He sought to capture the everyday life of the people he portrayed, and his work is seen as a
precursor to the impressionist movement. Many of Millet’s themes include peasant life, hard
work, and religious faith.
For example, in this painting, The Gleaners, Millet addresses the tireless labor of the peasant
class. The painting shows three women gleaning (gathering) wheat in a field after the harvest
has been completed. In the distance, a man on horseback likely symbolizes the stewards of
landlords. His physical distance from the women is a reminder of the figurative distance
between the lower and upper classes. The women are bent over the ground as they work to
gather the last bits of food. The mood is solemn and stoic. Together, the women symbolize
the daily lives of the lower class.

The tone is either dignified or weary, depending on how you perceive the theme of hard work.
The dark colors, the women working hard to gather food, and the setting sun all contribute to
this feeling. Millet offers a powerful statement on the realities of rural, working people. His
choice in subject matter and theme is significant, considering most artists of his time chose to
focus on subjects exclusive to the wealthy upper classes.
When an artist incorporates mood, tone, and theme into their paintings, they create pieces
that are more than just pretty pictures. They create art that has a powerful impact on the
viewer. By using these three concepts, artists can evoke strong feelings in their audience,
communicating complex ideas that are easy to understand. Mood, tone, and theme are
essential tools artists use to create truly memorable art.

Quick Check
What describes the universal issue or topic addressed by a painting?
Mood Tone
Theme Shape


Berthe Morisot(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/morisot-berthe/life-and-legacy/)
Jean-François Millet(https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1720.html)

7. Reflection: Mood, Tone, and Theme
Open Link

8. Practice: Exploring Mood, Tone, and Theme
Open Link

Section 4: Interpreting Technique to Understand Diverse

Perspectives
Here, you’ll explore three artists who capture the spirit of personal identity, cultural
expression, and unique point of view. You’ll learn how each artist uses the elements and
principles of art to communicate important perspectives about society and their place within
it.
First, you’ll learn about Henry Ossawa Tanner, one of the most influential Black artists in
American history. Tanner’s work is stunning in both composition and message. Next, you’ll
learn about the works of Tan Teng-pho, a Taiwanese artist and politician who gave his life
standing up for the political ideals of the people he represented. Finally, you’ll explore the
works of Käthe Kollwitz, a German artist who captured the struggles of the lower class
along with the horrors inflicted upon survivors of war.

Finding Meaning in the Elements and Principles of Art
Now you’ll learn about three exemplary focus artists. Each of these artists manages to use
the elements and principles of art to construct unique and important messages about their
personal identities, cultures, and socio-political beliefs. By applying your knowledge of the
elements and principles of art, you can interpret critical perspectives from people who don’t
share your own personal identity markers. You can also gain compassion for people who lived
during a different time, with daily challenges that are impossible to understand today fully. By
the time you finish this material, you’ll have learned how to interpret the elements and
principles of art to gain a deeper appreciation of diverse points of view.
Key Takeaways:
Artists such as Henry Ossawa Tanner are important because they offer a unique perspective on the historically
significant identity and culture of Black people in America.
Some artists, such as Tan Teng-pho, created art out of the love they had for their country and culture. The political
beliefs of artists like Teng-pho often drive subject matter and can reflect the views and ideals that artists gain
throughout their lives.
Cataclysmic world events such as World War I and World War II can shape the perspectives of entire generations.
Käthe Kollwitz demonstrates the psychological and emotional toll war takes on humanity through art steeped in
themes such as grief and loss.

Focus Artist: Henry Ossawa Tanner
Background
Henry Ossawa Tanner was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 21st, 1859. His mother
was an enslaved person in Virginia but escaped through the Underground Railroad. His father
was a free-born minister and eventually became a bishop. Tanner became interested in art at
a young age. After studying art in France, he returned to America and began to make a name
for himself as a painter. Tanner is best known for his paintings of biblical scenes and Black
subjects. He was one of the first internationally celebrated Black artists.
Before Tanner’s artistic depictions, Black subjects had primarily been created by White
painters. Tanner found their depictions inaccurate and lacking in authenticity. Thus, he used
his intimate knowledge of Black identity and culture to construct his own narrative.
Much of Tanner’s work challenges the existing narrative of Black stereotypes that existed at
the time by painting Black culture in a positive, compassionate light. His work has been
exhibited worldwide, and he is one of the most influential American artists of all time. Tanner
passed away on July 25th, 1937.
The Banjo Lesson

Tanner’s style is best described as realist. The French impressionists greatly influenced him,
and his paintings are characterized by an attention to detail and a unique use of light and
color. The mood of his works is often solemn or melancholy, and his paintings often reflect a
deep sense of spiritualism.
The Banjo Lesson, Henry Ossawa Tanner, ca. 1893; Medium: oil on canvas.

One of Tanner’s most famous paintings is 1894’s The Banjo Lesson. The painting is a portrait
of a Black man playing the banjo in a humble household setting. A young boy, most likely the
subject’s grandson, sits on his lap as the elderly man shows him how to play the instrument.
The man gently holds up one end of the instrument so that its weight doesn’t overwhelm the
boy. This visual symbolism suggests a thoughtful approach to educating the young man in the
ways of the world.
Tanner flushes the boy’s face in the warm glow of a fire. The man’s face is submerged in cool,
shadowy tones. Just as the man and the boy are contrasted using warm and cool tones, the
setting includes starkly contrasting lights and shadows as well. The contrast suggests that the
success of future generations is built on the foundations of previous ones.
The banjo is both literal and metaphorical in this image. Banjos were significant instruments in
Black culture. However, Black subjects were often depicted playing banjos with racist
undertones. The banjo here symbolizes authentic cultural tradition. Tanner’s portrayal of a
man engaged in educating his grandson challenges the existing stereotypes of the time.
The Thankful Poor
The Thankful Poor, Henry Ossawa Tanner, ca. 1894; Medium: oil on canvas.
Another famous painting by Tanner is The Thankful Poor. In this piece, the theme of an
elderly patriarch and a young boy is continued. A man and a boy sit together at a table with
little food between them. The older man seems to be praying intensely, joined with somewhat
less enthusiasm by the young boy.
The palette of the work is neutral, with a hint of warm yellows and ambers to give the painting
an inviting atmosphere. The overall mood is somber. Light from the window casts a mix of
bright spots and shadows throughout the scene. The boy’s face is illuminated, while the man’s

face is mainly shadowy as his head bows in prayer.
Like many of Tanner’s works, this piece is steeped in religious metaphor and symbolism,
revealing Tanner’s personal identity and culture as the son of a Black minister. The piece
achieves a sense of resilience and grace that defined Black people in the post-Civil War era.

Quick Check
What’s the mood of Henry Ossawa Tanner’s The Thankful Poor?
Somber Joyful
Chilling Distressing

Focus Artist: Tan Teng-pho
Background
Tan Teng-pho was a legendary Taiwanese painter and politician born in 1875. He is
considered one of the most influential figures in modern Taiwanese art, and his work has
been exhibited worldwide. Tan was also highly active in politics, and he served as a member
of the Taiwan Provincial Assembly.
Tan Teng-pho was an important figure in the development of modern Taiwanese art because
he helped to create a unique Taiwanese identity through his paintings. He elegantly captured
his homeland’s unique beauty, challenges, and culture.
Tan Teng-pho was born during the time of Japanese colonialism. His family was of the lower
class and didn’t have the time or resources to invest in Teng-pho’s natural talents.
Nevertheless, Teng-pho graduated college and worked as a teacher for seven years in his
hometown. He saved enough money to put himself through art school and then taught art for
several more years. He eventually ran for political council and was elected in 1946, and he
served as a member of the Taiwan Provincial Assembly. He was known for his strong belief in
democracy and his dedication to improving the lives of the Taiwanese people.
Teng-pho’s life was cut tragically short on February 28th, 1947, when Taiwan’s people rose
against their government. The governor and the president at the time violently suppressed the
uprising, murdering thousands of civilians in the process. As a lifelong advocate for
democracy and a voice of his people, Teng-pho was among those on the frontlines of the
uprising. He was among five brave people who approached the military forces as a
representative of peace but was ultimately taken prisoner. Teng-pho was eventually shot in
the streets by soldiers, who hoped to make an example of his fate.
Nostalgia?
One of his most famous works, titled Nostalgia?
(https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/nostalgia-chen-cheng-po/IQGBDZdZGmnKHA), was
created during the last year of World War II in 1945. The scene depicts a nearly deserted
street as a bombing raid is about to commence. The composition creates a strangely
foreboding mood as clouds overtake the otherwise blue skies. The figure of a little girl gazes
directly outward, instantly humanizing the Taiwanese people and evoking empathy from the
viewer. The Alishan mountain range peaks over the buildings from a distance, symbolizing the
strength of the people, their culture, and their city despite the uncertainty of the war.
Tamsui (淡水)

Tamsui (淡水), Tan Teng-pho, ca. 1933; Medium: oil on canvas.
In his painting Tamsui (淡水), Teng-pho depicts a much brighter composition that suggests the
war is over and the city has begun to move forward. The red buildings contrast the bright
green natural hills and flora. Teng-pho creates the illusion that the town continues beyond the
scope of the canvas by creating proportionately smaller buildings in the distance. A few
figures walk through the streets, engaged in their day-to-day tasks. The mood is buoyant, and
the tone feels optimistic. Here, Teng-pho implies that life goes on, suggesting the overall
resilience of his people.

Quick Check
What’s the mood of Tan Teng-pho’s Nostalgia?
Hostile Lighthearted
Foreboding Anxious

Focus Artist: Käthe Kollwitz
Background
Käthe Kollwitz was a German printmaker, sculptor, and watercolorist in the nineteenth and
twentieth centuries. Kollwitz was born in Prussia in 1867. Her father recognized her talent
from a young age and arranged for Kollwitz to take lessons in drawing and plastering at just
twelve years old. In 1885, she began to study art formally.
Kollwitz worked with artists in the realist movement and made drawings of working people,
sailors, and peasants, as their experiences closely mirrored her own realities. Her art often
included references to social concerns and political issues. Kollwitz openly expressed
disinterest in the lives of the upper class.
The March of the Weavers in Berlin

In 1898, Kollwitz had her first public breakthrough. She created a series of prints titled The
Rise of the Weavers, which depicts the working class revolting over wages. Kollwitz aligns
herself in solidarity with the weavers. To create her sociopolitical perspective, she uses basic
elements such as light, shadow, and lines to create a sense of movement and bring tension to
her scenes.
The March of the Weavers in Berlin, Käthe Kollwitz, ca. 1931; Medium: etching.
The fourth print in the series, titled The March of the Weavers in Berlin, exemplifies her ability
to manipulate the elements and principles of visual art to achieve a desired effect. The tone is
empathetic and somber, while the mood of the painting is one of exhaustion and desperation.
The expression on each worker’s face is determined yet markedly tired.
The image reveals a changing political atmosphere in Germany at the time of its creation. As
a member of the working class, Kollwitz managed to document the swiftly changing political
tides through her art. Her attention remained on sociopolitical issues of the time. Before her

death in 1945, she would go on to document the devastating consequences of World War I
and World War II.
The Mothers
Kollwitz experienced the horrors of the world wars firsthand. Her artwork powerfully reflected
the tragedy and devastation she saw during these wars.
Die Mütter (The Mothers), Käthe Kollwitz, ca. 1922–1923; Medium: woodcut.
Kollwitz and her husband had a son named Peter, who was just 18 years old when World War
I broke out. After reluctantly giving their son permission to join the military, Peter proudly
departed for the front lines. Ten days after his departure, Kollwitz received news that her son
had died. For the rest of her life, Kollwitz created art that reflected the themes of grief and
loss alongside her political point of view.
She created a print series simply titled War between 1921 and 1922. The woodcuts are
minimalistic compared to her previous works, creating a sense of urgency and power. In the
print titled The Mothers, Kollwitz depicts a group of women locked together, forming a
protective barrier for the children who peer out between their mothers’ skirts. Despite the work
implying that mothers will stand together to prevent their children from marching off to future
wars, the women are still defensive and anxious. The woodcut suggests the sacrifice and
suffering of German mothers who sent their sons off to war for their country’s honor and now
fear losing the next generation to future military action.

Quick Check
What’s the tone of Käthe Kollwitz’s The March of the Weavers in Berlin?
Nostalgic Lighthearted
Tense Somber


Henry Ossawa Tanner(https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1919.html)
Tan Teng-pho(https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/tan-ting-pho/m0bbg0c?hl=en)
Käthe Kollwitz(https://www.theartstory.org/artist/kollwitz-kathe/life-and-legacy/)
Review
Balance
The principle that governs how much visual weight an object has in a composition; the distribution of
elements in an image to create a sense of equilibrium (Lesson 1)
Proportion
The relationship between the size or scale of different elements in a composition; helps to create a sense
of order and harmony in an image (Lesson 1)
Contrast
When two elements are placed next to each other and one is significantly different from the other; helps
create visual interest and can be used to direct the viewer’s attention (Lesson 1)
Pattern
The repetition of certain elements in a composition; used to create unity within an image or add interest
Modern Art
Type of art created between the 1860s and 1970s; characterized by experimental styles that rejected the
traditional academic rules that governed earlier artistic creation (Lesson 2)
Postmodernism
First emerged in the 1950s as a response to the perceived shortcomings of modernism; characterized by a
focus on rational order, abstraction, and the creation of more accessible art that reflected the world’s
chaotic nature (Lesson 2)
Contemporary Art
Refers to artwork that has been created in the present day, which typically means the last 50 or 60 years.
This includes any type of medium, from painting and sculpture to installation art. (Lesson 3)
Mood
The overall atmosphere of a work of art and how the viewer feels when observing the work; can be happy,
sad, angry, peaceful, or any other emotion (Lesson 3)
Tone
The brightness or darkness of the color palette used in the painting; created through the use of light and
dark colors, the way elements in the image are arranged, and the use of shadows (Lesson 3)
Theme
The universal issue or topic addressed by a painting (Lesson 3)

10. Practice: Interpreting Meaning through the Elements

and Principles of Art
Open Link

11. Review
Open Link

Lesson 4 Exam
Open Link


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Diversity Through Visual Art / Lesson 1: Introduction to Diversity through Visual Art

Lesson 1: Introduction to Diversity through Visual Art

© 2023 PF High School, LLC Page: 1 of 244

Preparing for Your Course

Before Your Exam

© 2023 PF High School, LLC Page: 2 of 244

Watch this video to learn more about what you'll be studying:

What You'll Learn in this Lesson:

Identify language that describes the visual arts

Describe the significance of identity and culture in a piece of visual art

Analyze visual art as an expression of identity and culture

Assignment Format Grading Percent

Multiple choice and multiple response

Multiple choice and multiple response

Multiple choice and multiple response

Discussion: Discussing Artistic

Multiple choice and multiple response

25% of your final course

© 2023 PF High School, LLC Page: 3 of 244

Section 1: The Language of Identity & Culture

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Visual Art, Identity, & Culture

Many visible and invisible markers make up an artist’s identity.

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Observation as Critical Thinking

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visual art. auditory art.

kinesthetic art. olfaction art.

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Visible and Invisible Identity Markers

Visible identity can include some characteristics

According to the United States Census, racial categories include:

Latino/Latina or Hispanic is considered an ethnicity.

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Some characteristics include the following:

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Apple — Inclusion & Diversity — Open

Length: 2 minutes 3 seconds

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Visible identity Subcultures

Dominant culture Invisible identity

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Samuel Joseph Brown

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Putting Observations Together

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At the artist At the observer

At nothing Behind the artist

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Artists and Artworks

Samuel Joseph Brown(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Joseph_Brown_Jr.)

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4. Practice: Artists, Identity, & Culture

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Section 2: Identifying Visual Art

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Media, Materials, and Methods of Visual Art

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Painting and Drawing