VISUAL ARTS

EXEMPLAR PAPER
GRADE 10

MARKS: 100

TIME: 2½ hours

This paper consists of 19 pages.

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

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1. This paper consists of EIGHT questions.

2. Answer any FIVE questions for a total of 100 marks.

3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.

4. Questions appear on the left-hand pages, with visual sources on the right-hand
pages.

5. Ensure that you refer to the reproduced colour visual sources where required to
do so.

6. Information discussed in one answer will not be credited if repeated in other

answers. Cross-referencing of art works is permissible.

7. Name the artist and title of each art work you discuss in your answers. Underline
the title of an art work or the name of a building.

8. Write in a clear, creative and structured manner, using full sentences and
paragraphs according to the instructions of each question. Listing of facts/tables
is NOT acceptable.

9. Write clearly and legibly.

GUIDELINE FOR ESSAYS

10 marks = at least one page

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED

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Use the following glossary of terms to make sure you understand how to
approach a particular question:

Analyse A detailed and logical discussion of the formal elements, such as

line, colour, tone, format and composition of the art work.

Compare Point out differences and similarities in an ordered sequence within

the same argument.

Discuss Present your point of view and give reasons for your statements.

Humanistic Concern with the interests and welfare of humans

Icon painting A small Byzantine painting on a wooden panel representing Christ,

the Virgin Mary, or a religious scene.

Interpret: Analyse and evaluate (give an informed opinion) an art work.

Contextualise it historically, culturally, socially, etc and substantiate
your findings by referring to similar specific examples.

Visual sources The reproduced images that are provided in the exam paper

ANSWER ANY FIVE QUESTIONS.

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QUESTION 1 Visual analysis and interpretation

The works reproduced in Figures 1a – 1d are all titled, The Kiss, but they all give a
different expression to this subject matter.

1.1 Choose one two-dimensional artwork and one three-dimensional artwork from
Figures 1a – 1d and discuss the following:

 The use of line, shape, form and pattern

 The visual characteristics of the medium used (10)

Decorative, figurative, expressionism, naturalism, stylised, abstract.

1.2 Choose from the above list, the style that best describes each work (Figures 1a –
1d) and give a good reason for each to motivate your choice. (You may not
repeat a style.) (8)

1.3 Which of these works do you prefer? Give two good reasons to motivate your
choice. (2)

[20]

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FIGURE 1a: Auguste Rodin, The Kiss, FIGURE 1b: Edvard Munch, The Kiss,
marble, 1889. woodcut,1897.

FIGURE 1c: Gustav Klimt, The Kiss, oil on FIGURE 1d: Constantin Brancusi, The Kiss,
canvas, 1907–08. limestone, 1916.

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QUESTION 2 African art

In the Kongo, wild animals were associated with the dead. Domesticated animals such
as dogs lived in villages but were used to hunt game in the forests. They were therefore
considered as mediators between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Kozo, the double-headed dog (Figure 2a), an example of a power figure (Nkisi), was
used in rituals to solve problems. Medicines bound with resin or clay, a substance
particularly associated with the dead, was placed on the animal's back to empower the
nkisi to act on behalf of the nganga or ritual specialist. To instruct the nkisi in a particular
task, the nganga would drive an iron blade into the figure, with an accompanying spell.

Willie Bester in his Dog of War (Figure 2b) makes a strong socio-political statement.

2.1 Study the visual sources in Figures 2a and 2b, and discuss how these artists
have portrayed the dogs.

Refer to the following in your answer:

 Describe the visual appearance of each dog

 The similarities between the two dogs e.g. form, texture, etc.
 Techniques used to construct these dogs
 Figure 2a was a mediator between the worlds of the living and the dead.
How was this portrayed in this dog?
 Discuss how Bester in Figure 2b makes a strong socio-political statement
by referring to specific objects included in the sculpture and possible
meanings/interpretation. (10)

2.2 African art is a wide term that encompasses rock art, tribal art, craft objects,
etcetera. These paintings, sculptures and objects that are today classified as
‘African art’, were created to fulfill specific roles in their respective societies.

Write an essay in which you discuss at least three examples of African art that
you have studied.

Refer to the following:

 Identify the work (title, etc.)
 Use of formal art element
 Materials used
 Style and technique
 Function and interpretation (10)
[20]

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FIGURE 2a:Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kozo, Double Headed Dog, wood, iron and
magical medicine, late 19th century.

FIGURE 2b: Willie Bester, Dog of war, mixed media, 2001

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QUESTION 3 Non-Western cultures from across the globe

A mask can be defined as a covering usually on the face to conceal one’s identity for
different purposes. Masks have been used since ancient times both for ritual and
practical purposes.

3.1 The visual sources in Figures 3a – 3d show a range of masks from different
cultures.

Write an essay in which you refer to the following:

 The use of shape, colour and texture in Figures 3a – 3c.

 Portrayal of facial features in Figures 3a – 3c
 Facial expression in Figures 3a – 3c
 Describe the use of materials in Figure 3d
 Masks are used to conceal identity, protect and entertain. Give examples
of masks that fulfill these functions in contemporary society. (10)

3.2 Non-Western civilisations refer to the range of civilizations that developed across
the globe.

Write an essay on at least one such civilization in which you refer some to the
following:

 Name of the civilization/s

 Background on this civilization/s
 Specific artworks, objects or buildings from this civilization/s
 The function and meaning of these works in this civilization/s (10)

[20]

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FIGURE 3a: Chinese - Exorcist mask, FIGURE 3b: Oceanic – Hornbill Mask, cane
painted wood, no date. frame, tapa cloth, coconut fiber, banana leaf
fiber beard, and cockatoo feathers, 2001
based on authenthic masks

FIGURE 3c: Aztec – Mask, turquoise Mosaic, FIGURE 3d: Romuald Hazoume, Dogon,
1400 – 1521, Mexico. discarded plastic containers and found
objects, 1996.

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QUESTION 4 Ancient civilisations

If walls can talk…

Figure 4a shows how a fragment of a painting removed from the tomb of Nebamun, a
temple official and scribe who lived in ancient Egypt during the 18th dynasty, roughly
3,500 years ago.

Faith 47 is a well-known South African graffiti artist. All Shall Be Equal Before the
Law (Figure 4b) formed part of her series on the Freedom Charter with pieces
throughout Cape Town and Johannesburg.

4.1 Analyse the two works in Figure 4a and 4b by referring to the following:

 The story told in each one

 The choice of imagery
 The way the story is told (composition, space, etc.)
 Style and convention of the figures
 The use of lettering in both
 The function of each work
 Similarities between these two works (10)

4.2 The civilisations of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt are often seen as the cradles
of civilisation.

Choose one of these civilisations and write an essay in which you discuss at
least two artworks/buildings that you have studied.

In your answer refer to the following:

 Name of artwork/ building

 Description
 Analysis
 Function and meaning/message of each (10)

[20]

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FIGURE 4a; EGYPT, Inspecting the Fields, Tomb of Nebamun, fresco, 1350

FIGURE 4b: Faith 47, All shall be Equal before the Law, Cape Town, mural, 2010

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 QUESTION 5 The Classical World

Although much of Greek sculpture depicted gods, this did not detract from its
humanistic quality. Initially Greek sculpture showed many similarities with
Egyptian art, but their investigation made them look at the human form and for
the first time in the history they started to show the body as it is seen.

5.1 Read the statement above and discuss the development of Greek sculpture in
Figures 5a – 5c.

In your answer refer to the following:

 Facial features, portrayal of the body, posture and proportions

 Use of media
 Concepts such as idealisation and naturalism (8)

5.2 The Women’s Monument in Bloemfontein (Figure 5d) is is a monument

commemorating the suffering of women and children who died in British
concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer war.

Name any influence of Greek sculpture on Figure 5d. How does the mood of this
work differs from the Greek examples? (2)

5.3 “The glory that was Greece, the grandeur that was Rome!”
This was the words of the poet, Edgar Allan Poe, to describe these Classical
civilisations.

Choose at least one artwork/building from each civilisation that you have studied,
to explain the ‘glory’ of Greece and the ‘grandeur’ of Rome.

Refer to the following:

 Clearly identify the artwork/building

 Discuss the characteristics (formal elements, style, materials, techniques,
etcetra)
 The function of these works (10)
[20]

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FIGURE 5a: Archaic - Peplos Kore, marble, FIGURE 5b: Classical – Praxiteles, Cnidian
c. 530 B.C. Aphrodite, marble, c. 350 B.C.

FIGURE 5c: Hellenism - Alexandros of FIGURE 5d: Anton van Wouw, Women's
Antioch, Venus de Milo, marble, c. 130 – 100 Monument, Bloemfontein, bronze, 1913
b.C.

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QUESTION 6 Middle Ages and/or Islamic art

The Heavenly Ladder (Figure 6a) is an icon painting showing monks ascending the
ladder to Jesus.
Gothic cathedrals were the largest economic enterprises of the Middle Ages, combining
the skills of architects, builders, masons, sculptors, stain-glass makers and many
others. With their soaring height, immense interiors, towers, images in stone, paint and
glass they dominated the towns in which they were situated. They were the religious
and social centers of the towns. Amiens (Figure 5b –d) is an example of such a
cathedral.

6.1 Write a paragraph on The Heavenly Ladder (Figure 6a) in which you discuss the
following:
 The struggle between good and evil
 The symbolism of the ladder
 Style and technique
 Possible function (5)

6.2 Discuss the Amiens Catedral (Figures 6b – d) by making observations about the
some of the following:

 Plan
 Construction
 Symbolism of the building
 Style of sculptures (5)

6.3 Choose at least two works that you have studied which are characteristic of
Medieval and/or Islamic art.

In your answer do the following:

 Clearly identify the artwork/building

 Discuss the artwork
 Refer to materials used
 The function and meaning of the work (10)
[20]

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FIGURE 6a: The Heavenly Ladder, Holy FIGURE 6b: Gothic – Amiens Cathedral,
Monastery of St Catherine, Sinai, Egypt, late France, 1270.
12th century.

FIGURE 6c: Gothic – Interior FIGURE 6d: Gothic – Sculptures, Amiens Cathedral,
view, Amiens Cathedral, France, France, 1270.
1270.

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QUESTION 7 Renaissance

The Annunciation of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary was a popular
theme during the Renaissance and appears in the work of almost all of the great Renaissance
masters. The angel Gabriel is usually on the left facing the Virgin who usually shown indoors, or
in a porch of some kind.

7.1 Compare the Annunciation scenes in Figures 7a – 7c by discussing the

following:

 Postures of the figures

 The setting and background
 Use of formal elements such as colour, shape and space
 Composition
 Mood
 Style
 Which Annunciation painting is your favourite? Give reasons for your choice.
(10)

7.2 Discuss any three paintings and/or sculptures you have studied that express the
characteristics of Renaissance art in different countries.

Include the following in your answer:

 Names of the artists and titles of artworks

 The use of formal elements
 Style of the works
 Meaning and interpretation (10)
[20]
.

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 FIGURE 7a: Fra Angelico, Annunciation, fresco, 1438 - 47

FIGURE 7b: Sandro Botticelli, Annunciation, tempera, 1489 - 90

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 FIGURE 7c: Leonardo da Vinci, Annunciation, oil paint and tempera, 1472.
QUESTION 8 Baroque and Rococo

All the visual sources (Figure 8a - c) show depictions of a couple. Rembrandt (Figure 8)
dates from the Baroque period, while Fragonard (Figure 8b) was a painter during the
Rococo. Gerard Sekoto (Figure 8c) was one of the first professional black artists in
South Africa that depicted life in the townships.

8.1 Discuss how these three works (Figures 8a – 8c) portray the couple by referring
to the following:

 Composition
 Shape
 Colour
 Space
 Style and technique
 The relationship between the two figures in each work
 Meaning and interpretation (10)

8.2 Choose at least one painting from the Baroque and at least one painting from the
Rococo that you have studied. Discuss these works to show the differences in
style between the Baroque and Rococo.

Refer to the following in your answer:

 Names of the artists and titles of artworks

 Scene depicted
 The use of formal elements
 Composition
 Meaning and interpretation (10)
[20]

TOTAL: 100

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 FIGURE 8a: Rembrandt:The Jewish Bride, oil on canvas, 1665

FIGURE 8b: Honore Fragonard, The Happy Lovers, oil on canvas, 1765

FIGURE 8c: Gerard Sekoto, The Artist’s mother and stepfather at home in Eastwood, oil on
canvas, 1946 - 7

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