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Discuss the artworks in FIGURES 1a and 1b and describe the stories told by the artists - NSC Visual Arts - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 1
Discuss the artworks in FIGURES 1a and 1b and describe the stories told by the artists. You must include the following in your answer: - Portrayal and placement of ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Discuss the artworks in FIGURES 1a and 1b and describe the stories told by the artists - NSC Visual Arts - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Portrayal and placement of the figures
Answer
In FIGURE 1a by George Pemba, three female figures dominate the foreground, depicted as harvesters using sickles. Their positioning creates a sense of communal effort in farming, resembling a snapshot rooted in Xhosa tradition. Notably, the smaller figure in the middle leads the viewer’s gaze into the landscape, creating depth. In contrast, FIGURE 1b by Ward Kimball features three figures similarly engaged in work but is characterized by a starker background of rubbish and withered crops. The placement of figures in both artworks emphasizes their struggle and resilience while subtly placing them within broader social contexts.
Step 2
Similarities/Differences between FIGURE 1a and FIGURE 1b
Answer
Both artworks depict women in labor, with FIGURE 1a emphasizing traditional Xhosa attire and agricultural harmony, while FIGURE 1b presents a modern context that includes litter and decay. The figures' orientations differ: in FIGURE 1a, they are bent low, focusing on their tasks, whereas in FIGURE 1b, the motionless poses suggest weariness or contemplation. This contrast reflects differing narratives about labor, community, and the state of the environment.
Step 3
Colour
Answer
In FIGURE 1a, warm and earthy tones dominate, enhancing a connection to nature and culture, while FIGURE 1b utilizes harsher, more muted colors reflecting modern disarray. The use of color supports the emotional responses elicited by each piece, where FIGURE 1a evokes nostalgia and pride, contrasting FIGURE 1b’s tone of loss and discontent.
Step 4
Message/Meaning
Answer
The overarching message of both artworks centers around the narrative of women’s labor. Pemba’s piece speaks to cultural heritage and the importance of community, while Kimball’s work highlights the impact of modernity and possibly environmental neglect. Together, they encapsulate the dual struggles of women in both traditional and contemporary settings.