Assignment Question
Context: Visual analysis is a method of understanding art that focuses on an artwork’s visual elements such as color, line, texture, scale, etc. In its strictest definition, it is a descriiption and explanation of visual structure for its own sake. Yet the purpose of visual analysis can also recognize the choices that an artist made in creating the artwork, as well as to better understand how the formal properties of an artwork communicate ideas, content, or meaning.
Visual analysis is often used as a starting point for art historical writing. Visual analysis is not just for art. It is also a critical part of visual literacy, a skill that helps people read and critically interpret images, whether in the museum, on social media, in entertainment, advertising, or the news. As citizens of the 21st century, we are constantly confronted with visual media. Practicing visual analysis sharpens critical judgment skills and helps people seek out answers for themselves instead of passively receiving information.
This is especially important when exposing hidden ideologies that may motivate seemingly neutral images.
Assignment Instructions: Construct a visual argument paper that seeks to summarize, analyze, and interpret an image. This concept is similar to analyzing text; the creator uses specific choices in order to convey an idea or message. It’s your job to figure out what that is based on with visual/textual evidence. Use the lectures as guides, as well as the documents in the files. Be objective and unbiased. Acknowledge the cultural/historical context.
Explain what is the creator’s intention/thesis? How do you know? Note the rhetorical appeals used and how influential they seem. Remember foremost that an analytic or critical analysis is not primarily a summary; rather, it comments on and evaluates the creation.
This is especially important to remember when doing academic research. As with other types of analysis essays, identifying the main message or claim being presented within the subject ought to be the first step. Please include the visual image at the bottom of your paper, under the Annotated Bibliography, so the context of your paper is clear. Your primary source is the visual itself, so you must include it on the Annotated Bibliography page, as well as cite it in the text. Treat it like any other source.
Requirements: – 900-1000 Words – MLA format
