Comparative Study (Weighting: 20%)

Students are required to analyze and compare artworks, objects or artifacts by different artists. This independent critical and contextual investigation should explore artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.

Throughout the course, students will have investigated a range of artists, styles, images and objects from a range of cultural contexts, through an integrated approach to exploring the three syllabus areas: visual arts in context, visual arts methods and communicating visual arts. Students select artworks, objects and artifacts for comparison from differing cultural contexts that may have been produced across any of the art-making forms, and that hold individual resonance for the student and have relevance to their own art making practice. This is of particular importance to HL students.

Students at both SL and HL must examine and compare at least three pieces, at least two of which should be by different artists. It is valuable for students to have experienced at least one of the works in real time and space, such as a painting at a gallery, a sculpture in a park or an artifact from the local community that is brought into the school, although this is not essential. Good quality reproductions can be referred to when a student’s location limits their access to such works first hand. The works selected for comparison and analysis should come from contrasting cultural contexts.

Students use research and inquiry skills to investigate and interpret the selected pieces, applying aspects of critical theory and methodologies to the works examined and presenting their findings as a personal and critically reflective analysis, using both visual and written forms of notation. Students must support their interpretation with references to sound and reliable sources. A recognized system of academic referencing must be used in line with the school’s academic honesty policy. A candidate’s failure to acknowledge a source will be investigated by the IB as a potential breach of regulations that may result in a penalty imposed by the IB final award committee.

Task Details

Students at both SL and HL must select at least three artworks, objects or artifacts, at least two of which should be by different artists. For each of the selected pieces, students should:

• Carry out research from a range of different sources
• Analyze the cultural contexts in which the selected pieces were created
• Identify the formal qualities of the selected pieces
• Interpret the function and purpose of the selected pieces
• Evaluate the material, conceptual and cultural significance of the selected pieces to the cultural contexts within which they were created.

Students at both SL and HL should then:

• Compare the selected pieces, identifying links in cultural context, formal qualities, function, purpose,
  material, conceptual and cultural significance
• Present a list of sources used during the study.

Students at HL should also reflect on the investigation outcomes and the extent to which their own art making practices and pieces have subsequently been influenced by artworks, objects or artifacts examined in the comparative study.

Structuring the comparative study

Students should articulate their understanding through both visual and written forms, depending on the most appropriate means of presenting and communicating their findings. While the comparative study may include text-based analysis, it may also include diagrammatic and graphic elements such as annotated sketches and diagrams, annotations on copies of artworks as well as other visual organizing techniques (such as flowcharts, relative importance graphs, concept webs and Mind Maps®). An introduction to the study should summarize the scope of the investigation from which the focus artworks, objects and artifacts have been selected. Students should aim for a balance of visual and written content, and use an appropriate means of acknowledging sources. Students must ensure that their work makes effective use of subject specific language where appropriate.

For each of the selected artworks, objects or artifacts, students at both SL and HL are encouraged to focus their analysis and interpretation of works through consideration of the role of the artist, the artwork, the audience and the cultural context. The scope and scale of the comparative study task will depend largely on the materials selected for investigation. Students may wish, however, to adapt the following structure to suit their needs.

Introduction
Students summarize the scope of the investigation from which the focus artworks, objects and artifacts have been selected, and any thematic or conceptual framework used to draw the investigation together.

The artworks, objects or artifacts and their contexts
Students summarize their research from a range of different sources and present their inquiry into the identification and interpretation of selected artworks, objects and artifacts. They also explain how they have applied a range and combination of critical theories and methodologies to the works. Areas of investigation might include:

• Analysis of the cultural contexts of the selected pieces
• Identification of the formal qualities of the selected pieces (elements such as shape/form, space, tone, color, line, texture and principles such as balance, rhythm, proportion, emphasis, pattern, variety)
• Interpretation of the function and purpose of the selected pieces (such as the meanings of motifs, signs and symbols used in the work)
• Evaluation of the material, conceptual and cultural significance of the pieces and the cultural contexts in which they were created.
  

Making Connections
Students present their comparisons of the different pieces, clearly identifying links between them.  These comparisons might include:

• Comparing the cultural contexts of the selected pieces
• Comparing the formal qualities of the selected pieces
• Comparing the function and purpose of the selected pieces
• Comparing the material, conceptual and cultural significance of the pieces.
• Connecting to own art-making practice (HL only)

Students reflect on their research outcomes and the extent to which their own art-making practices and pieces have subsequently been influenced by artworks, objects, artifacts and their creators examined in the comparative study. These influences and personal connections, which should be evidenced in both visual and written forms, might include:

• Cultural context
• Formal qualities
• Function and purpose
• Materials, conceptual and cultural significance.

When referring to their own artwork and practices, HL students must be sure to identify and acknowledge their own artworks with the same rigorous attention to detail as with images from other sources.

Sources
Students include a list of sources used during the study.

Comparative Study Assessment Tasks

Students at SL analyze and compare different artworks by different artists. This independent critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.

1.   SL students submit 10–15 screens which examine and compare at least three artworks, at least two of which should be by different artists. The work selected for comparison and analysis should come from contrasting contexts (local, national, international and/or intercultural).

2.   SL students submit a list of sources used.

Students at HL analyze and compare different artworks by different artists. This independent critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.

1.  HL students submit 10–15 screens which examine and compare at least three artworks, at least two of which need to be by different artists. The works selected for comparison and analysis should come from contrasting contexts (local, national, international and/or intercultural).

2.  HL students submit 3–5 screens which analyze the extent to which their work and practices have been influenced by the art and artists examined.

3.  HL students submit a list of sources used.

A.  Analysis of Formal Qualities

The work identifies and analyses the formal qualities of the selected pieces from at least two cultural origins. The analysis of these formal qualities is consistently informed and effective.

B. Interpretation of function and purpose

The work demonstrates a consistently informed and appropriate interpretation of the function and purpose of the selected pieces within the cultural context in which they were created.

C. Evaluation of cultural significance

The work demonstrates consistently informed and appropriate evaluation of the material, conceptual and cultural significance of the selected pieces within the specific context in which they were created.

D. Making comparisons and connections

The work critically analyses the connections, similarities and differences between the selected pieces. These connections are logical and coherent, showing a thorough understanding of how the pieces compare.

The work clearly and coherently conveys information which results in a visually appropriate, legible and engaging study. Subject-specific language is used accurately and appropriately throughout.

The work analyses and reflects upon the outcomes of the investigation consistently and appropriately. The student effectively considers their own development, making informed and meaningful connections to their own art-making practice.