Studio Arts
Exam
Unit 3 - Area of study 3
Professional art practices and styles
This area of study focuses on professional art practices in relation to particular art form/s and the development of styles in artworks. Students investigate the ways in which artists have interpreted subject matter, influences, cultural contexts, and communicated ideas and meaning in making artworks. The use of materials, techniques, processes and working methods of artists to make artworks, and the ways in which artists have developed aesthetic qualities and styles in artworks are also considered.
Students identify and review the issues, legal obligations and ethical considerations that may arise from the use of other artists’ work in the making of new artwork, including a familiarity with appropriation and originality, copyright law, licensing agreements and the moral rights of artists.
In this area of study, students develop an understanding of the selected art form/s in more than one historical and/or cultural context/s; for example, students may study artists and artworks in an art form made in different historical periods, or students may study artists and artworks in an art form in different cultural contexts, which may have been made during the same time period. Research is undertaken of and appropriate art language and terminology applied to professional art practice and artmaking. Students are expected to study at least two artists.
Outcome 3
On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss art practices in relation to particular
artworks of at least two artists and analyse ways in which artists develop their styles.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of
Study 3.
Key knowledge
This knowledge includes
• the legal obligations and ethical considerations involved in the use of the work of other artists in
the making of new artwork, including a familiarity with appropriation and originality, copyright
law, licensing agreements and the moral rights of artists;
• art practices related to particular artworks or art form/s in more than one historical and/or cultural
context/s;
• analysis of how artworks reflect the artists’ interpretations of subject matter, influences, cultural
contexts and communication of ideas and meaning;
• examples of artworks from different historical and/or cultural contexts;
• materials, techniques and processes used in the production of artworks;
• aesthetic qualities and styles of artworks.
Key skills
These skills include the ability to
• analyse and discuss the legal obligations and ethical considerations involved in the use made of
the work of other artists in the making of new artwork;
• discuss ways in which artworks reflect artists’ interpretations of subject matter, influences, cultural
contexts and communication of ideas and meanings;
• analyse and discuss ways in which artists employ materials, techniques and processes;
• analyse the ways in which aesthetic qualities and styles are developed;
• discuss artistic practices and ways in which artists develop aesthetic qualities and styles in their
artwork with reference to art elements such as line, colour, texture, tone, form, shape, movement,
sound and light;
• research and discuss art practices in relation to particular artworks or art form/s, and the ways in
which artists develop styles in their artwork.
Unit 4 - Area of study 3
Art industry contexts
This area of study focuses on the analysis of requirements and conditions of environments where artworks are presented. For exhibition, the artist enters the realm of the art industry where galleries, curators and designers play various roles to support the presentation and promotion of artworks.
Students examine a variety of exhibition spaces and review the methods and considerations involved in the preparation, presentation and conservation of artworks. As part of this requirement, students
visit at least two different exhibition spaces in their current year of study.
The conservation of artwork is a concern of artists, the personnel associated with art spaces where the artworks are placed, and the public. Students develop an awareness and understanding of processes and considerations involved in the display of artworks to a wider audience. Students develop their awareness and understanding of the exhibition of artworks, focusing on the production, presentation, promotion and marketing of art. Students may select from exhibitions in commercial and public galleries, museums, community environments, public spaces, online in virtual spaces, and other alternative art spaces. Further information on the selection of suitable exhibitions can be found in
the ‘Advice for teachers’ section of this study design and the study resource list published online at
Outcome 3
On completion of this unit the student should be able to examine and explain the preparation and presentation of artworks in at least two different exhibition spaces, and discuss the various roles, processes and methods involved in the exhibition of artworks.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 3.
Key knowledge
This knowledge includes
• the role of public galleries, commercial galleries and other art spaces;
• curatorial, exhibition design and promotional methods and considerations involved in preparing
and presenting an exhibition and displaying artworks in current exhibitions;
• methods and considerations involved in the conservation and preservation of artworks including
materials, lighting, temperature, storage, presentation and artist intention;
• processes associated with production, presentation, promotion and marketing of art;
• particular characteristics of types of exhibition spaces;
• art language and terminology appropriate to the task.
Key skills
These skills include the ability to
• describe and compare the roles of public galleries, commercial galleries and other art spaces;
• discuss curatorial, exhibition design and promotional methods and considerations involved in
preparing and presenting an exhibition and/or displaying artworks;
• identify and discuss methods and considerations involved in the conservation of artworks;
• employ appropriate art language and terminology.
Web links
Exam assessment report 2010 2010 Studio Arts Exam
Exam assessment report 2011 2011 Studio Arts Exam
Exam assessment report 2012 2012 Studio Arts Exam
This is a great link for a practice exam: http://engageeducation.org.au/practice-exams/studio-arts