Art is a visual expression of imagination and skill, embracing diverse media such as painting, sculpture, drawing, decorative arts, printmaking and design. It can be exhibited in museums, galleries and public spaces, or confined to the walls of private homes or commercial buildings. Art is created for many purposes, including entertainment, communication, edification, decoration and remembrance. It is often used as an expression of personal belief and values, and as a means of social or political commentary. It can also serve to challenge our assumptions about the world around us.
The history of art has been marked by intellectual experimentation, with artists exploring ideas about beauty, morality, politics and meaning. In the 21st century, new forms of media such as video art have further challenged traditional definitions of what constitutes art.
Does the artwork include a clear and obvious organisation of parts (i.e. symmetrical, asymmetrical, balanced or unbalanced; simple or complex arrangement; overlapping, clustered or concentrated objects; repetition of forms; framed within a frame, patterned edging or broken borders)? Does the artist use these devices to create balance, emphasis, unity or rhythm in the work?
Is the pictorial space shallow or deep, and does the artist create a sense of depth through the positioning of foreground, middle-ground and background; layered, stacked or overlapped objects; the use of shadows to anchor the artwork in space; one point perspective; tonal modeling; spatial distortions; or spatial illusions (read more about these concepts here)? Is the artwork meant to be viewed from just one position or angle, or does it involve dynamic viewpoints and serial vision (read more about Gordon Cullen’s concept of serial vision here)?
Do any of the recognisable forms or scenes present in the artwork capture an instinctive response from viewers, such as fear, attraction or revulsion (i.e. images or objects that seem dangerous; human faces; the gaze of other people; motion; text)? Heap map tracking studies have shown that these elements captivate our attention and spark a range of emotions.
How does the artwork use texture to convey mood, atmosphere and emotion? What kind of line-making is included (thick; thin; long; short; abrupt; smooth; rough; feathery; jagged; meandering; expressive, loose, spiky, sketchy or cross-hatched)? Does the use of texture create a sense of movement, energy or tension in the work?
Do key objects or images in the artwork evoke deeper, conceptual themes, or convey an attitude or point of view? Are these conveyed by the formal and stylistic elements used, or through a narrative structure (i.e. allegory, metaphor or irony)?
Do the formal and stylistic elements of the artwork evoke particular ideas, feelings or memories for the artist? Are these reflected in the title of the work, or the subject matter or context of its creation? Are there references to cultural or historical events, philosophies or beliefs? Does the artwork refer to other works of art?