Grade 12 Visual Arts Past Paper

Visual Arts Paper 1 2019

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

In this examination you must demonstrate the following skills:

Using the correct art terminology
Using and implementing visual analysis and critical thinking
Writing and researching skills within a historical and cultural context
Placing of specific examples in a cultural, social, political and historical context
Understanding distinctive creative styles

Read the following instructions before deciding which questions to answer.

This question paper consists of EIGHT questions
Answer any FIVE questions for a total of 100 marks.
Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper
Questions appear on the left-hand pages, with visual sources on the right- hand pages.
Ensure that you refer to the visual sources reproduced in colour where required.
Information discussed in one answer will NOT be credited if repeated in other answers
Cross-referencing of artworks is permissible.
Name the artist and title of EACH artwork you discuss in your answers.
Underline the title of an artwork or the name of a building.
Candidates may NOT discuss images that have already been used in other questions.
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.
Use the following as a guideline to the length of your answer. Note the mark allocation.

6–8 marks: a minimum of ½–¾ page
10–14 marks: a minimum of 1–1½ page(s)
20 marks: a minimum of 2 pages

Write neatly and legibly.

LEAVE THIS PAGE BLANK.

ANSWER ANY FIVE QUESTIONS.

QUESTION 1: THE VOICE OF EMERGING ARTISTS

American artist, John Biggers, and South African artist, Helen Sebidi, both show the toil and hardship in the everyday struggle to survive.

1.1Compare the possible meanings and messages in FIGURE 1a and 1b. Refer to the following:

Placement of the figures within their particular settings
Colour, shape and line
Composition
Perspective(10)

1.2Discuss TWO artworks by any South African artist(s) who was/were influenced by their surroundings.

Include the following in your answer:

Subject matter
Use of line, shape and colour
Social/Cultural influences
Style
Possible messages/meanings(10)

[20]

Dispossessed: Deprived of land, property or possessions

Gleaners:People gathering

QUESTION 2:SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS INFLUENCED BY AFRICAN AND/OR INDIGENOUS ART FORMS

Helen Sebedi and Wangechi Mutu have both created artworks that are typically African.

2.1Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Explain your response by referring to the following:

Specific African influences
Ancient and/or futuristic view of Africa
Art elements
Materials and techniques
Style(10)

2.2Discuss TWO South African artworks by different artists whose works include African images and/or symbols.

Use the following guidelines in your essay:

The influences of indigenous African art forms and/or symbols
Subject matter
Line, shape and colour
Style
Techniques/Materials
Possible messages/meanings(10)

[20]

QUESTION 3:

SOCIOPOLITICAL ART, INCLUDING RESISTANCE ART OF THE 1970s AND 1980s

In FIGURES 3a and 3b, South African artist, Willie Bester, gives a narrative view of the injustices to the people in informal settlements.

3.1Refer to the above statement and write a paragraph in which you give your personal interpretation of FIGURE 3a OR FIGURE 3b.

3.2Discuss the artwork of any TWO South African artists that you have studied that reflect socio- and/or political issues.

Write an essay in which you respond to the following:

Art elements
Imagery used
Media and technique
Style
Possible messages/meanings

Interpret:

Narrative:

Analyse (a detailed and logical discussion of the formal elements of art) and evaluate (to give an informed opinion)

Storyline

QUESTION 4:ART, CRAFT AND SPIRITUAL WORKS MAINLY FROM RURAL SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is a very bountiful and colourful country in terms of arts and crafts and is reinventing itself all the time.

4.1Choose any TWO artworks (FIGURES 4a to 4d) and discuss how these crafts were reinvented by referring to the following:

Pattern and colour
Techniques
Function of the artwork

(8)

4.2Discuss TWO artworks by different craft artists and/or spiritual artists who were inspired by their culture and imagination.

Use some of the following guidelines in your essay:

Influences and inspiration
Art elements
Use of material and techniques
Function and/or message(12)

[20]

QUESTION 5:MULTIMEDIA AND NEW MEDIA – ALTERNATIVE CONTEMPORARY AND POPULAR ART FORMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town-born artist, Haroon Gunn-Salie, created an installation of 17 figures using mixed media. It has an accompanying soundtrack, which he has titled Songs for Sabotage. The figures represent the striking mine workers who were shot by police during the first violent encounter at the Lonmin mine in Marikana on 16 August 2012. They started singing Senzenia just before the shooting began.

Polish artist, Magdalena Abakanowicz, created an installation of 106 three-metre tall ‘bodies’ portraying the horrors during World War II. By placing them in a public space, ordinary people can interact with them.

5.1Compare FIGURE 5a with 5b by considering the following:

Why do you think the artist chose to depict the incomplete figures?
Why have the artists in both installations chosen to use repetitive figures?
How would you describe the style of the figures and the impact they have on the viewers?
Do you think that the artists have been successful in conveying their message? Give reasons for your answer.

5.2Which artwork is more successful in conveying its message? Give reasons for your answer.

5.3Analyse any TWO multimedia and/or new media artworks.

Analyse:

Senzenina:

Agora:

A detailed and logical discussion of the formal elements of art

‘What have we done?’ in Xhosa and Zulu

‘Gathering place’ in Greek

QUESTION 6:POST-1994 DEMOCRATIC IDENTITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

We all wear masks which become part of our identity.

Masks have a long history for both ceremonial and practical purposes. A mask disguises one’s identity to take on a new personality or role.

Interpret how the mask disguises identity in FIGURE 6a (still photograph from a performance piece) by referring to the following:

Composition
Background/Setting
Relations/Link to identity
Costumes/Colour
Possible message/meaning
Discuss TWO post-1994 South African artworks that either disguise or reveal a specific identity.

[20]

QUESTION 7:GENDER ISSUES: MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY

Gender roles defined by society are questioned by Mexican artists, Fabián Cháirez and La Suerte.

7.1Do you think FIGURES 7a and 7b are typical representations of masculinity and femininity? Substantiate your opinion by discussing the TWO artworks.

Refer to the following:

Portrayal of the figures
Colour
Style and technique

(8)

7.2Discuss TWO artworks by different artists who comment on masculinity and femininity in their works.

(12)

[20]

QUESTION 8:ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Patricia Piyani’s lack of education inspired her to create an opportunity for proper education for the children in her area. She founded Silindokuhle Preschool in Port Elizabeth which is constructed from recycled and reclaimed materials. It was built by the community using local materials, such as hardboard containers, wine bottles, wooden pallets, skateboards and plastic corrugated sheets, and has been awarded a SAIA building innovation award for sustainable architecture.

8.1Justify why the SAIA building innovation award for sustainable architecture was awarded to the Silindokuhle Preschool by discussing the following:

Use of materials
Sustainability
Functionality
Design
Building innovation(s)

(8)

8.2Analyse TWO South African architectural buildings/structures you have studied by discussing the following:

Influences
Design innovations
Building materials and construction methods
Sustainability
Impact on the environment
Functionality

(12)

[20]

TOTAL: 100

Grade 12 Visual Arts Past Paper

Last Updated : September 16, 2022

Visual Arts Paper 1 2019