What process do you go through to analyze a work of art?

Answer 1

Classical decomposition requires the study of the space the art takes place in, the color composition if applicable, the lines and flow of the work, the technique used, and the emotion and intellectual response it evokes. The space in which the art takes place could be the phsyical setting, the division of space in the work itself (common in paintings) and how it interacts with the space (negative vs. positive space.) The color composition is important in how the colors chosen relate to the work (or the lack there of). The lines and flow of the work tend to pertain more to visual works but anyone that has evaluated the artwork in automotive design know full well the importance of lines in the work. The technique is important especially in phsyical artwork such as sculpture and relief painting. This is also crucial in multimedia work and abstract sculpture. The last part, largely subjective, is what the work solicits from the viewer. Art without emotion could be argued ... isn't art. Andy Worhol explored this idea with pop art (cambell soup can anyone?) on what is the nature of art. Art is either everywhere (in your spoon, fork, stapler, etc.) or some rare thing (a painting by Raphel verus the macroni happy face the 4 year old did) and if it is a rare thing then what does the art have to convey? What elevates art from engineering then? This last part is solely the responsibility of the critic rather then the artist. An artist always sees their art as art, but what prompts the view to consider it art and what steps does the work take to make a believer out of the viewer...

Answer 2

Art is very subjective - this means that everyone who views it will have a different response. Art is meant to provoke an emotional response, so the best way to analyse any art is to try to figure out how it affects you emotionally. Here are some things that you can look for when analysing sculpture: * Time Period when created * Materials and Techniques used * Subject or Content * Function or Purpose * Social Context - cultural, political and economic background, other influences * Form - abstract or realistic, geometric or organic shapes * Composition - size, scale, elements and figures, proportions, details * Expression and Emotion - symbolism, postures or gestures, stance or grouping * Meaning or Idea behind the art * Other Characteristics of sculpture