Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this assignment, students will: Apply art terminology as it specifically relates to
works of art. Demonstrate knowledge of art elements and principles of design. Differentiate between the
processes and materials used in the production of various works of art. Critically interpret and evaluate works of
art. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of arts on culture.
Directions:! !
In some circles it has been said that political and social issues have no place in the arts.
After reading through chapters 9 and 10 (in particular under photojournalism on page 157) we see
that this is not the case. In fact some works have had a direct effect on policy such as Lewis Hine’s
photographs to help eventually enact child labor laws. Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother on page
157, Margaret Bourke-White’s The Living Dead of Buchenwald on page 158 and on and on. As a
viewer or artist where does our responsibility lay with this power through the image?
(1) First view Eddie Adams’s graphic Vietnam image of Nguyen Ngoc Loan Executing a Viet Cong
Prisoner in Saigon on the following page and before doing any research write a few sentences
describing what you think is happening.
(2) Next research the image and describe the context and event.
(3) Analyze the greater implications after publication from the image while citing your sources.
(4) Finally interpret how the image is used today in relationship to context and social responsibility.
What are the questions? Do we see graphic images like these during the Vietnam War from our
current wars? Why not?
Describe what you see from the artwork using the elements and principles. Keep it simple.
‘There is a blue figure in the foreground looking towards a triangle…
Analyze what you have written. This probably requires research.
‘The title Triangle Smashes Man confirms that the triangle is going to hit the blue figure.’
Interpret what you see, have written, and have researched. Many times there is not one correct
answer. ‘Even though the eminent crushing of the blue figure by the triangle is clear its
significance is not. Is it simply absurd or does the triangle, which resembles ! !
Mozambique’s national flag, reflect a very real and personal struggle today?…
Rubric:
Reads clearly/MLA/Citations
Accurately addresses each question/number
Informed interpretation (Description>Analysis>Interpretation)
Sample Solution