Lesson 6.4: Writing About Art, Design, and Media

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore how to effectively write about art, design, and media. Understanding how to articulate your observations and analyses is crucial for conveying ideas and arguments in a meaningful way. The objectives of this lesson include:

Structuring a contextual study around a clear argument.
Utilizing an academic register to convey credibility and formality.
Citing visual and written sources using the Harvard referencing style and avoiding plagiarism.
Integrating contextual study with personal creative practice.
Planning and writing a structured contextual study.

With these objectives in mind, let's get started.

Structuring a Contextual Study Around an Argument

To begin writing about art, design, and media effectively, it is important to have a strong thesis or argument as the foundation of your study. This argument will guide the direction of your analysis and provide a framework for the reader to understand your insights. Here’s how to structure your contextual study:

Introduction: Start with an overarching statement that introduces the main theme of your writing. Your thesis statement should clearly express your argument. For example, "This study examines the impact of postmodernism on contemporary graphic design."

Contextual Background: Provide background information on the topic. Explain relevant historical movements, cultural contexts, and influential artists or designers. Here, you can discuss postmodernism, its characteristics, and its emergence in the late 20th century.

Analysis of Visual Works: Choose specific works to analyze in relation to your argument. Make observations about form, style, and meaning while linking back to your thesis. For example, you might analyze the graphic works of David Carson and how they reflect postmodern characteristics like fragmentation.

Critical Arguments: Present critical perspectives related to your argument. This could involve discussing different interpretations of the works you analyzed and how they support or challenge your thesis.

Conclusion: Summarize your findings and reinforce your thesis, discussing the implications of your findings for the field of art, design, or media.

Example Structure

Let’s consider a specific example. Imagine you are writing about the relationship between street art and urban identity. Your structure might look something like this:

Introduction: "Street art serves as a means of expressing urban identity and resistance, showcasing the lived experiences of marginalized communities."
Contextual Background: Overview of street art's origins and its evolution in the urban landscape.
Analysis of Visual Works: Analyze pieces by artists like Banksy, discussing how they reflect societal issues.
Critical Arguments: Explore differing viewpoints from critics about the role of street art in gentrification.
Conclusion: Reinforce the notion that street art is a vital aspect of urban identity, highlighting its importance in our current cultural landscape.

Academic Register, Evidence, and Analysis of Images in Text

Writing in an academic register is essential for articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively. Here are key components of an academic register:

Formality: Use precise language and avoid colloquialisms.
Objectivity: Present arguments based on facts and evidence rather than personal opinions.
Clarity: Ensure your sentences are clear and concise, avoiding overly complex structures.

Incorporating Evidence

To support your arguments, incorporate evidence from academic texts, articles, and images. For instance, when discussing the influence of a particular art movement, cite established art theory texts or reputable journals. You can use image analysis by embedding visual references directly into your text. Here is how to analyze an image:

Description: Describe the work, including its title, artist, medium, and dimensions.
Formal Analysis: Discuss elements such as color, composition, and technique.
Interpretation: Link your analysis back to your overall argument. For example, if you are analyzing a Banksy piece, describe its visual elements, such as use of color and irony, then discuss how these aspects reflect themes of societal critique.

Example of Image Analysis

Suppose you analyze Banksy's artwork "Girl with a Balloon." Your analysis might look like this:

Description: "In 'Girl with a Balloon,' Banksy depicts a young girl reaching out towards a red heart-shaped balloon. The work is executed in spray paint on a white wall."
Formal Analysis: "The stark contrast between the monochromatic girl and the vibrant balloon draws attention to the emotive potential of the image, embodying themes of innocence and loss."
Interpretation: "This artwork critiques the transient nature of hope and love, making a poignant statement about human desire in contrast to the harshness of reality."

Harvard Referencing of Visual and Written Sources

Referencing is critical in academic writing to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors. The Harvard referencing style organizes information in a specific format. Here is the basic structure:

For books: Author(s) Last name, Initial(s). (Year) Title of the Book. Place of publication: Publisher.
For articles: Author(s) Last name, Initial(s). (Year) 'Title of the Article,' Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page numbers.
For images: Artist Last name, Initial(s). (Year) Title of the Work [Medium]. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).

Example of Harvard Reference

For a book:

Smith, J. (2020) Understanding Contemporary Art. London: Art Publishers.

For an article:

Doe, A. (2019) 'The Evolution of Street Art,' Art Journal, 45(2), pp. 12-29.

For an image:

Banksy. (2002) Girl with a Balloon [Spray paint on wall]. Available at: https://www.banksy.co.uk (Accessed: 1 October 2023).

Integrating Contextual Study with Personal Practice

As an artist or designer, contextual studies should inform your own creative practice. Reflect on how the movements and works you study can influence your style and choices. When writing about art, design, and media:

Consider how historical context shapes your work.
Analyze your influences and how they relate to the themes you are exploring.
Incorporate self-reflection within your writing to create a deeper connection between your studies and your practice.

Example of Integration

If you are a graphic designer influenced by postmodernism, you could write, "My design approach, inspired by postmodernists like David Carson, embraces chaos and plays with typography, reflecting the cultural contradictions of modern media."

Planning and Writing a Structured Contextual Study

Before you start writing, planning is crucial. Here are steps to effectively plan your contextual study:

Choose a Topic: Select a theme or subject that interests you.
Research: Gather information from books, articles, and artworks that relate to your topic.
Outline Your Structure: Follow the structure discussed earlier to outline your study.
Draft the Study: Write the first draft, allowing your ideas to flow freely. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage.
Revise: Review your draft for clarity, coherence, and adherence to the academic register.
Finalize: Ensure that your references are properly formatted and that your work flows logically.

Conclusion

Writing about art, design, and media requires a clear understanding of your argument, the ability to analyze visual works critically, and knowledge of how to reference sources accurately. By integrating these skills and maintaining an academic register, you can effectively communicate your ideas and enhance your understanding of the wider cultural contexts that inform your creative practice.

Study Notes

Strong thesis is essential for structuring a contextual study.
Academic register emphasizes formality, objectivity, and clarity.
Use descriptive and analytical techniques when referencing visual works.
Proper Harvard referencing avoids plagiarism and gives credit to original authors.
Integrate contextual studies with personal creative practice for deeper engagement.
Effective planning enhances the quality of your contextual study.