A RT G R A D E 1 1

Art viewers appreciate artworks if they can understand and

grasp the meaning of the artwork. The viewers are also called:

Gazers

Onlookers

Audience
To appreciate artwork, know the different kinds of art forms,
the elements of art and the principles of design. These
are all essential in appreciating contemporary arts. That
includes:

Description

Analysis
Interpretation
There are three elements that constitute description of contemporary art.

Art elements
Subject Matter Material and principles
Subject Matter

It is what the artwork is all about.

It is what you see that is depicted in the artwork.
Materials

It is what the materials/medium were used in the

process of art-making, and the art form. It is what
the artwork is made of.
Art elements
and principles

the use color, lines, space and other elements to

It create visual
refers to the images
physicalthat are arranged
qualities into an
of the image.
organized manner that observes unity, harmony,
rhythm, or other principles of design in a creative
way.
Subject Matter

 What is the main figure in the artwork?

 How is the main figure placed within the artistic
frame?
 How do the other figures on the artwork relate
to the main figure?
Materials

 What are the materials or objects use by the

artist?
 Do these materials bring out the intended effect
of the artist?
 If the artist chose other materials, do you think
the same effect will be achieved? Why and how?
Art elements
and principles

 What are the dominant elements in the

artwork?
 How are these used in the artwork?
 How are line, shape, or volume used within
the artistic frame?
 How are texture, movement, or space used
within the artistic frame?
Art elements
and principles

 What are the unifying features in the

artistic frame?
 Are there any variations among the
repeated elements?
 How does the art form appeal to the
visual sense?
Michael Cacnio “Balloon”