Writing Exercise #3: Reading/Text analysis (Review the Review) (includes links to readings and a supplemental video)

This assignment meets the following ART100W Course Goals/Objectives and Learning Competencies

GELO 2, 5,  CLO2:

• Use standard art and design vocabulary and forms of writing appropriate to art and design disciplines

• Write extemporaneously about subjects in the art and design field

• Advancement of students’ critical thinking and critical writing skills

GOAL: Identify language that reflects formal analysis concepts of description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment. 

FORMAT: Use standard academic formatting (double space, 12 point type, 1” margins, etc.).

SUBMIT YOUR WORK TO CANVAS BY THE DUE DATE AND BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS IN CLASS. HAVE YOUR WRITING EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR CLASS DISCUSSION.

Exercise 1: 

a. Please read the article, “The Photographed, Collaged, and Painted Muses of Mickalene Thomas,” by Carey Dunne, published by Hyperallergic, March 1, 2016 https://hyperallergic.com/278045/the-photographed-collaged-and-painted-muses-of-mickalene-thomas/. (Links to an external site.)

b. Then analyze the article by identifying passages (i.e. sentences, words) that follow your understanding of

1) description,

2) analysis,

3) interpretation, and

4) judgment 

COMMENT: Do your best to clearly identify at least two examples that seem to fit into each category or "step" of formal analysis . For example, notice the writer's use of adjectives, adverbs, and "word pictures" that help to convey how the artwork looks. What passages seem to be more about an interpretation of the work? Where is the writer expressing "judgment" or success or strength of the work?

NOTE: Because this is not an exact science, you may encounter ambiguities or "slippage" between categories. However, think about the writer’s language choices that reflect aspects of formal analysis. This exercise is not about being "right." It's more of an awareness practice to help us "see" and "hear" visual language so that we can more consciously craft it in our writing.

Exercise 2: 

a. Please read the article, “Mickalene Thomas,” by Kara Walker, published by Bomb Magazine, April 1, 2009 https://bombmagazine.org/articles/mickalene-thomas/ (Links to an external site.).

b. Write a one-two paragraph (200-250 words) response that compares and contrasts each author’s use of voice, tone, and descriptive language. Discuss how the writer’s choices impact your understanding of or relationship to the work. Use examples from each text to substantiate your observations.

Optional supplemental video:

Meet the Artists | Mickalene Thomas (Links to an external site.)