LESSON 4

DESCRIPTION, ANALYSIS
AND INTERPRETATION
APPLIED TO
CONTEMPORARY ART
 SUBJECT MATTER DESCRIPTION
APPLIED TO
what you see that is depicted in the artwork. It may
be a human form where the figures are engaged in

CONTEMPORARY
an activity, or a combination of texture and color.

MATERIALS ART
what the artwork is made of. It can also be a
Describing an artwork especially if it is
combination of objects used in the artwork. contemporary requires knowledge of art.

In describing an artwork, your

ART ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES
knowledge of the subject matter,
refer to the physical qualities of the image. The artist material and art elements and principles
uses color, lines, space and other elements to create
are essential.
visual images. These are arrange into an organized
manner that observes unity, harmony ,rhythm and
other principles of design in a creative way.
 GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR
DESCRIBING ART

SUBJECT MATERIALS ART ELEMENTS AND

MATTER PRINCIPLES
What are the What are the dominant elements in the
What is the main
materials or objects artwork?
figure in the artwork?
used by the artist? How are line, shape, color, or volume,
How is the main
Do these materials used within the artistic frame?
figure placed in the
bring out the How are texture movement or space used
artistic frame?
intended effect of the within the artistic frame?
How do the other
artist? Are there any variations in the repeated
figure in the artwork
elements?
relate to the main
How does the art appeals to the visual
figure?
sense?
BALLOONS
BY: MICHAEL CACNIO
BALLOONS
BY: MICHAEL CACNIO

SUBJECT MATTER
There are 2 figures in the sculpture., one higher
(female) and one lower( male). They are attached
to each other in an unusual way. The male
holding on to the foot of the female who is pulled
upward by balloons. Each figure has his/her one
hand up in the air. The lower figure has his leg
holding on to the staircase while one leg is bent
in the air. The female figure is in the same
position.
BALLOONS
BY: MICHAEL CACNIO

MATERIALS
Cacnio used brass for his sculpture. He has
mastery in the use of this medium as shown in
the figures' big and small parts. We note that the
torso is a mass that is welded smoothly. The
fingers ,although tiny are done with precision.
The balloons are painted to add variety to the
dominant color, gold. The whole piece is standing
on a rectangular block which also bears the
signature of the artist.
BALLOONS
BY: MICHAEL CACNIO
ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES
Perfect balance is achieved in the sculpture. The
weight of the figures is supported by 2 legs of the
ladder which is standing freely and not attached
to the wall. The only connection of the 2 figures to
the ladder is the lower figure's foot that is pointed
and attached on one step of the ladder. From the
head of the female down to her foot and on the
torso of the male is a straight line. There is a
repetition of form as seen in the bended knees ,
arms on the air and pointed feet.
BALLOONS
BY: MICHAEL CACNIO
ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES

The head of the female is bent while the head of

the male looks up, thus giving impression that he is
flying with her with the balloon pulling them
upward.

The figures are light despite using brass. They do

not appear heavy, in fact they project a floating
effect. They seem to be dancing while being pulled
upward.
ART ANALYSIS
Art Analysis starts with a description of an artwork.

The viewers focus on the beauty, design, qualities and the value of an
artwork.

It requires understanding of the content by separating the parts of the

subject matter. You can be guided by the following questions:

1. How did the artist make the artwork?

2. Is it a good artwork?
3. Do you like or dislike the art work? Why? Why not?
4. What is the value of artwork to you, the youth or society?
ART INTERPRETATION
Employed after describing and analyzing an artwork.
The viewers focus on the expressive qualities , the meaning, theme,
mood or idea communicated by the artist. The following questions can
guide you in your interpretation:

1. What is the artwork about?

2. What is it intending to communicate?
3. Are there objects in the artistic frame that symbolize something?
What are these?
4. What is the meaning of the artwork?
PLANTING RICE BY: FERNANDO AMORSOLO

DESCRIPTION
SUBJECT MATTER
MATERIALS

ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES

PLANTING RICE BY: FERNANDO AMORSOLO

ANALYSIS
HOW DID THE ARTIST
MAKE THE ARTWORK?
IS IT A GOOD ARTWORK?
DO YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE
THE ART WORK? WHY?
WHY NOT?
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF
ARTWORK TO YOU, THE
YOUTH OR SOCIETY?
PLANTING RICE BY: FERNANDO AMORSOLO

INTERPRETATION
WHAT IS THE ARTWORK
ABOUT?
WHAT IS IT INTENDING
TO COMMUNICATE?
ARE THERE OBJECTS IN
THE ARTISTIC FRAME
THAT SYMBOLIZE
SOMETHING?WHAT ARE
THESE?
WHAT IS THE MEANING
OF THE ARTWORK?
TINIKLING IN BARRIO, 1951 BY: FERNANDO AMORSOLO

DESCRIPTION
SUBJECT MATTER -
What is the main figure in the artwork?
• How is the main figure placed in the artistic frame?
• How do the other figure in the artwork relate to the main
figure?

MATERIALS
• What are the materials and medium used?

ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES

• What are the dominant elements in the artwork?
• How are line, shape, color, or volume, used within the
artistic frame?
• How are texture movement or space used within the
artistic frame?
• Are there any variations in the repeated elements?
• How does the art appeals to the visual sense?
TINIKLING IN BARRIO, 1951 BY: FERNANDO AMORSOLO

ANALYSIS
HOW DID THE ARTIST
MAKE THE ARTWORK?
IS IT A GOOD ARTWORK?
DO YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE
THE ART WORK? WHY?
WHY NOT?
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF
ARTWORK TO YOU, THE
YOUTH OR SOCIETY?
TINIKLING IN BARRIO, 1951 BY: FERNANDO AMORSOLO

INTERPRETATION
WHAT IS THE ARTWORK
ABOUT?
WHAT IS IT INTENDING
TO COMMUNICATE?
ARE THERE OBJECTS IN
THE ARTISTIC FRAME
THAT SYMBOLIZE
SOMETHING?WHAT ARE
THESE?
WHAT IS THE MEANING
OF THE ARTWORK?