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Critical Response Unit Lesson 4: Research and Analyze

This is a life-sized abstract figurative painting of a woman. She is standing in the center of the composition and is made up of black-outlined geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, and circles. There are two small black circles towards the top center of the painting resembling a pair of eyes looking out at the viewer. Only three fourths of her body are depicted since the painting stops at her knees. The predominant colors used are reds at the center with blues, greens and yellows making up the background.

Willem de Kooning, Woman VI, 1953
Oil on canvas, 68 x 58 in.
Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh Gift of G. David Thompson © 2002
The Willem de Kooning Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Students learn to establish an informed opinion using research, analysis, artistic methods, and previously published opinions to compare and contrast different artistic styles.

Objectives

  • Students will synthesize information regarding two different artistic styles.
  • Students will consider the importance of historical and cultural context when viewing works of art.
  • Students will analyze values held by different art movements.
  • Students will explain differences in critical opinions regarding works of art.
This is a life-sized abstract figurative painting of a woman. She is standing in the center of the composition and is made up of black-outlined geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, and circles. There are two small black circles towards the top center of the painting resembling a pair of eyes looking out at the viewer. Only three fourths of her body are depicted since the painting stops at her knees. The predominant colors used are reds at the center with blues, greens and yellows making up the background.

Willem de Kooning, Woman VI, 1953
Oil on canvas, 68 x 58 in.
Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh Gift of G. David Thompson © 2002
The Willem de Kooning Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Discussion Questions

Explain to students that in order to have an informed opinion, one must have rich knowledge about the subject of the critique—and in this case, rich knowledge about the artworks. Ask students the following questions:

– How do we create an “informed opinion” on art, music, fashion, or literature?
– What sources should we consult?
– Are facts and opinions equally important when creating an informed opinion?

Materials

Procedure

The four handouts included in this lesson will help students to comprehend and analyze the historical and cultural context in which the artworks were made, the artists’ methods and use of formal principals and conceptual ideas, as well as the critics who have already published opinions about the work. Explain to students that these handouts are examples of the kinds of research a critic would conduct before writing a critique.

1. Print and photocopy the four handouts.

2. Students should read each handout in order and answer the Comprehension and Analysis questions at the end of each handout.

3. Discuss the student responses to the questions after each reading.

4. Save the student responses to Comprehension and Analysis questions to aid them in writing the final critique in Lesson 5.

Wrap-up

Discuss with students how they might conduct their own research to inform future opinions on works of art:

  • Where do you locate trusted sources?
  • How do you distinguish an academic source from popular opinion?
  • How do you cite various sources (MLA, APA, Chicago Manual Style etc.)?

Assessment

The following assessments can be used for this lesson using the downloadable assessment rubric.

  • Aesthetics 1
  • Aesthetics 2
  • Aesthetics 3
  • Communication 1
  • Communication 2
  • Communication 3
  • Critical thinking 1
  • Critical thinking 2
  • Critical thinking 4
  • Historical context 1
  • Historical context 2
  • Historical context 3
  • Historical context 4

Handouts