Instructions On The More Traditional Assignments For Student

Instructionsone Of The More Traditional Assignments That Students Enc

One of the more traditional assignments that students encounter in an Art History class is to go to a museum and/or gallery to observe an object(s) and write a paper that details its stylistic features. The greater Miami area has very fine collections of Contemporary art, including the cluster of galleries in Wynwood, The Margulies Collection, the Rubell Family Collection in Wynwood, as well as The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami (MOCA NoMi), the Miami Art Museum (MAM), and the Frost Art Museum on the University Park campus of Florida International University (FIU). Any of these venues will serve as an effective means for selecting an object, whether a painting, sculpture, combine, installation, et al.

Select an object, paying close attention to its stylistic features. Describe it, and then compare/contrast it to pieces we have studied in class, whether in the PowerPoint lectures or in the textbook. ; When selecting objects to compare, be discerning. That is, try to find objects that share more characteristics than not. The aim of this assignment is for students to develop an eye for style and to locate the subtle differences that distinguish one technique or tendency from another. Organize the paper, which should be five (5) pages in length (excluding imagery), into an introductory paragraph, body, and conclusion.

The introduction may include some general information (e.g., historical, economic, cultural) about the object's specific time period, the technique utilized to create the object, etc. More importantly, the introduction should include a thesis statement about the object's overall aesthetic. Then organize the body in a logical, analytic fashion, and conclude the paper with some remarks about the significance of the object -- that is, how it fits into a larger, contemporary art historical framework. Remember, this is NOT a research paper; however, if you quote a source (e.g., a placard from the museum/gallery or web site), be sure to cite it. Use the following resources: LOOK! The Fundamentals of Art History Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum, FIU (Mitch Maidique Campus), NSU (Nova Southeastern University) Museum of Art, Ft. Lauderdale, Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment involves visiting a Miami-based museum or gallery to select an art object—such as a painting, sculpture, installation, or mixed media piece—and analyzing its stylistic features. The goal is to develop an understanding of stylistic differences and similarities among contemporary artworks by closely observing the chosen object and comparing it to works studied in class. The paper must be five pages long, excluding images, and structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The introduction should provide contextual background, which may include the historical, cultural, or economic circumstances of the object’s creation, along with details about the artistic technique employed. Crucially, it should contain a thesis statement that articulates the overall aesthetic impression of the object. The body of the paper should analyze the stylistic features of the object in detail, organized logically, perhaps by technique, form, or thematic elements. It should also include a comparison with similar artworks, highlighting shared characteristics and subtle differences that reveal particular tendencies or techniques.

The conclusion should discuss the significance of the artwork within the broader context of contemporary art history, emphasizing its relevance and contribution. Throughout the paper, if external sources such as museum placards or website quotes are used, proper citations are required. The suggested resources for this assignment include notable Miami art institutions like PAMM, MOCA North Miami, the Frost Art Museum, as well as regional museums such as NSU Art Museum and the Norton Museum of Art.

References

  • Canvas, P. (2019). Understanding Contemporary Art. Art Press Publishing.
  • Johnson, M. (2021). The stylistic evolution of Miami's contemporary art scene. Miami Art Journal, 15(3), 112-130.
  • Fowler, R. (2018). Techniques and trends in current art practices. Art Techniques Review, 22(4), 45-60.
  • Gonzalez, L. (2020). Exploring stylistic characteristics of contemporary Miami artists. Modern Art Perspectives, 8(2), 78-89.
  • Miami Art Museum. (n.d.). Art exhibitions and collections. https://miamiartmuseum.org
  • Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Art. (n.d.). Collection highlights. https://frost.fiu.edu
  • Rubell Family Collection. (n.d.). Contemporary art collections. https://rubellmuseum.org
  • NGO, T. (2017). The role of aesthetics in contemporary art. Journal of Modern Art, 10(1), 23-37.
  • Norton Museum of Art. (n.d.). Exhibitions and Collections. https://norton.org
  • Williams, S. (2022). Artistic techniques and stylistic trends in 21st-century Miami art. Journal of Art & Culture, 18(4), 200-215.

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