DIRECTIONS: Select four essay questions to answer. Remember to answer the questions
thoroughly, and cite examples or give a personal testimony to justify your response. (20 pts. each)
1. Fallen depicts the final outcome of the tragedy of war, and those who served. Jane Hammond
uniquely identifies each victim by creating a leaf specifically for the soldier who has fallen in the line of
duty since 2004. This is a difficult exhibit because it’s ongoing and does not have an ending.
a. What are Hammond’s subject matter and hidden message? Explain.
b. Do the colors in the work play an important role when viewing this piece?
c. Does this work quietly acknowledge visual loss or the will of the government? Why or why not?
d. (Principle of Design) Does this artwork have a focal point? Why or why not?.
2. “Race ing” Sideways by Nikolai Buglaj, depicts thirteen racers tied for the lead in a race. From left to
right, racers skin color changes from white to black, and then their clothing changes from black to white,
a double version of the traditional "value" scale, literally and figuratively.
a. What is the subject matter of this work, and which traditional role of an artist can be applied to
the work?
b. What “values” are at stake here? (artistic and social) Be specific.
c. Traditionally, what is western society’s view of the colors black and white? Site an example.
d. (Principle of Design) Does this work exhibit repetition and patterns? Why or why not?
3. Vincent Van Gogh’s work, A Starry Night is a reflection of his deep thoughts and unique genius.
Address the following:
a. What is content and subject matter of the work? Does it have a hidden message(s)?
b. How do the colors and lines in the work contribute to its overall composition?
c. Discuss which role of an artist can be applied to this work and explain why.
d. (Elements of Design) Discuss the type of lines that are presented in A Starry Night. How do lines
complement the work?
Michelangelo’s Pieta, 1498-1500
4. The Pietà by Michelangelo is one of his greatest creations. Discuss the following:
a. What is the subject matter of Michelangelo’s Pieta? And what does the term pieta mean?
b. Why is this work important from a historical and cultural perspective?
c. Is this work representational, non-representational or abstract? Discuss and cite examples.
d. (Elements of Design) Michelangelo used texture and shape to focus one’s attention on Pieta.
What does the shape of the work symbolize?
Islamic Art is arts produced by Moslems in the world where Islam is/was the dominant religion of the
people and land.
a. What are some of the unique characteristics developed around Islamic Art?
b. What are two primary differences between Islamic and Christian Art?
c. What is the function of Arabic in Islamic Art?
d. Name the eight general characteristics of Islamic Art.