GRADE 10 Visual Art

JUNE EXAMINATION

June Exam Time: 2 Hours

Examiner: O Bevan Marks: 100

In this examination you will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• The use of correct art terminology.
• The use of visual analysis and critical thinking.
• Writing and research skills within a historical and cultural context.
• The ability to place examples of artworks into a social and historical
context.
• An understanding of distinctive artistic styles.

Answer ALL the questions on this question paper for a total of 100 marks.

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QUESTION 1: VISUAL LITERACY

Study the images below and answer the following questions:

1.1 Provide definitions for the following: distortion and contrast. (2)

1.2 Study image 1a: Discuss the visual characteristics of the medium used in 1a. (2)

1.3 What style is image 1a: figurative, decorative, abstract, naturalistic, realistic, stylised or
expressionism. (1)

1.4 How do you think the style and use medium adds to the meaning/interpretation of the artwork
in Figure 1a? (3)

1.5 Discuss the use of line in each of the works and explain how they differ between Figure 1a and
Figure 1b. (2)

1.6 Study image 1b: Why does the artist use distortion in image 1b? (2)

Image 1a Natal where the art school is Image 1b Houses in District

By John Mafengejo, linocut print. Six, Gerard Sekoto, painting

1.7 Provide a definition for each of the following terms:

1.7.1. Chiaroscuro (2)
1.7.2. Modulation (2)
1.7.3. Idealisation (2)
1.7.4. Technique (2)

[20 MARKS]

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QUESTION 2: PRE-LITERATE ART

Prehistoric art:

2.1 Write a brief description defining each of the following periods during the stone age: (3)

2.1.1 Paleolithic
2.1.2 Mesolithic
2.1.3 Neo-lithic

2.2 Name the artefact in Figure 2a and write a brief analysis describing it. (3)

Figure 2a

2.3 Why was this artefact produced? Give an interpretation of the meaning / symbolism behind the
work. (2)
[8 MARKS]

QUESTION 3: AFRICAN ART

South African Rock Art

3.1 Name 3 characteristics of South African Rock Art. (3)

3.2 What is the function or purpose of rock art? (2)

3.3 Study Figure 3a.

Figure 3a

3.3.1 Describe the scene in Figure 3a. (2)

3.3.2 Discuss the use of lines and shapes in this work. (2)
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3.4 Explain the relevance of the eland in San culture and in their rock art. (3)
3.5 Write a comparative essay in which you discuss the differences and similarities between
African art and Western art.
Structure the essay around the following points: (10)
● Function / purpose
● Style
● Form
● Use of materials
● Depiction of the figure

3.6 Walter Batiss and Cecil Skotness are South African artists who take inspiration from African
rock art, carvings, masks and sculptures. Look at the following images, Figure 3c and 3d and
identify the influences and characteristics of African art evident in BOTH artworks.

Figure 3b Cecil Skotnes

Figure 3c Walter Batiss
African figures Woodcut Fisherman drawing nets
Paint on canvas

(6)
[28 MARKS]

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QUESTION 4: NON-WESTERN ART

The Art of China: The Terracotta army

Figure 4a The terracotta

army

4.1 Describe this army (Figure 3a), what is it and what does it look like? (2)

4.2 Why was this army created? (2)

4.3 Describe how each figure in the army was made? (2)

Mesopotamia

4.6 Study the image of the Statues of Tell Asmar below, Figure 3b. Write a paragraph explaining
the following:
● Size
● Shape
● Style
● Purpose/meaning
(4)

Figure 4b
[10 MARKS]

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QUESTION 5: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ART

5.1 What was the Rosetta stone and why was it significant? (2)

5.2 What is the main purpose of Ancient Egyptian art? (2)

5.3 What is a hieroglyph? (1)

5.4 What does “anthropomorphic” mean? (1)

5.5 Why did the ancient Egyptians mummify bodies? (2)

5.6 What is the main purpose of Ancient Egyptian art? (2)

5.7 Discuss the characteristics of Ancient Egyptian wall paintings as seen in Figure 4c below. (3)

Figure 4c Egyptian wall painting and hieroglyphics

5.8 What was the purpose of making sculptures of kings and Queens and burying them with the
bodies? (2)

5.9 Analyse the figures in the sculpture in Figure 4d by describing the characteristics of the
sculpted figures. (5)

Figure 4d Pharoah Mycerinus

and Queen Khamerernebty Giza C. 2350 B. C

[20 MARKS]

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QUESTION 6: ANCIENT GREEK ART

The ancient Greeks were obsessed with precision, balance and the portrayal of the ideal
human body.

6.1 Read the statement above

6.1.1 Do you agree or disagree with the statement? (1)
6.1.2 Provide reasons for your answer by discussing the style and purpose of art in Ancient
Greece in relation to Figure 6a below. (4)

Figure 6a Discus thrower

6.2 Discuss the characteristics of following periods of art in the history of Ancient Greece:
● Geometric
● Archaic
● Classical
● Hellenistic

(8)

[14 MARKS]

TOTAL: 100 MARKS

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