NSC Visual Arts Realisation of a Concept: Choose EITHER FIGURE 4a OR FIGUR

Question

Choose EITHER FIGURE 4a OR FIGURE 4b and discuss how this artist has interpreted the Biblical theme.

FIGURE 4a:
A biblical theme from the New Testament is portrayed. A simplified, stylised figure of Jesus is seen holding a wooden cross, symbol of Christianity. The walking figure is attached to a wooden branch which has several fish around the feet of Christ, symbolic of his followers' reflections on him. His holiness is reinforced by the halo above his head. Jesus's miracle of walking on water. The barbed wire represents the crown of thorns.

FIGURE 4b:
Christ is being lifted down from the cross. The descent from his crucifixion is portrayed. The cross is a symbol of redemption. There is a sun in the background which is a symbol of light and hope. The crown made of thorns symbolic of sin and suffering. The figures below Christ are portraying him and not his followers who have been taken from the cross. Women at the feet of the cross, Mother Maria and Maria Magdalena cannot be seen as looking at Jesus's painful and broken body.

Formal art elements
In both FIGURE 4a and 4b diagonal lines and shapes create movement and unrest.

Distortion of the figures
FIGURE 4a:
Shapes are simplified and stylised and portrayed in a childlike/naive manner. The figure is painted pink, black and white. The fish have been painted in different shades of greys. The wooden cross is painted red/orange. Christ's hair, shoes and feet are painted in shades of brown. The base to which the walking branch has been left unpainted. The texture of the figure and fish is smooth whereas the base/tree stump has more of a natural textured tactile quality. Realism, naturalism.

FIGURE 4b:
Shapes and figures are angular with jagged/sharp lines. Figures are elongated and distorted. Dark outlines emphasize the distorted shapes. The painting conveys a melancholic feel to the work.

Depth and perspective
FIGURE 4a:
This is a three-dimensional work. The fish are all the same size and don't become smaller towards the back of the sculpture. There is no sense of depth created with the three-dimensional artwork.

FIGURE 4b:
Perspective has been created which is evident as the figures become smaller and smaller as they recede in space. Christ is placed in the foreground and is in the centre of the composition. Foreshortened figures kneel at the feet larger. Two male figures are shown in the middle ground. A wooden cross and ladder can be seen in the background of the composition. The steps of the ladder become smaller as you recede in space. A dark shadow is seen in the background. The painting is very congested and overcrowded.

Spiritual/emotional message and meaning
FIGURE 4a:
This sculpture, influenced by Christianity, illustrates the Biblical narrative of a miracle from the New Testament. It is a message of hope and trust.

FIGURE 4b:
The descent from the cross is the theme of this painting. It is a disturbing image of Jesus' suffering/sacrifice and death.

Choose EITHER FIGURE 4a OR FIGURE 4b and discuss how this artist has interpreted the Biblical theme - NSC Visual Arts - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Choose EITHER FIGURE 4a OR FIGURE 4b and discuss how this artist has interpreted the Biblical theme - NSC Visual Arts - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1

Significance of the subject matter, images and symbols

Formal art elements

Distortion of the figures

Depth and perspective

Spiritual/emotional message and meaning

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