NCEA Level 1 - Visual Arts 2012
– AS90916
Examples of Candidate Work
1
Excellence
2
This submission has been verified in the middle of the Excellence
grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample has been selected as it represents a solid programme of work clearly located within
the Street Art genre. Presented is a systematic body of well-sequenced works with imagery
deriving from popular culture, Pasifika patterning and graffiti/tagging within a cityscape. A
clear sense of the student’s identity and culture is acknowledged in this submission.
From the onset, this sample presents fluency in using wet and dry media. This candidate
effectively handles a range of media and techniques within drawing, printing (stencilling)
collage and painting techniques (surface textures). This is especially noted in the handling of
spray paint/stencilling throughout both panels.
Ideas progress in the layering of monotone motifs over complex textural surfaces and in the
exploration of different compositional devices and spatial relationships.
This sample demonstrates a clarification of ideas in the decisions made to take some ideas
forward and leave others behind and in the effective integration of a number of ideas and
methods within the final works on panel two.
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4
5
This submission has been verified in the middle of the Excellence
grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of related works based on a narrative theme in Māori
mythology. Ideas are generated in the collection of imagery from landscape, flora, fauna,
anatomy of skulls and skeletons, Māori iconography, customary dress and patterning. Clear
links have been made between the works which sequentially develop and progress throughout
the body of work..
The candidate has demonstrated fluency in the use of a range of media which is especially
noted in the tonal drawings, intricate detailing, exquisite black and white wood cut print,
stencilling and the confidence shown in the painting techniques (washes and dry brushing). The
deliberate decision to restrict the colour palette to earthy hues also enhances the narrative
approach.
The candidate has demonstrated a clarification of ideas in the clever integration of motif and
imagery to tell their story.
6
7
8
This submission has been verified in the middle of the Excellence
grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of related works based on the theme of placing manmade found objects within the natural environment. Ideas are generated on panel one in the
assemblage of found objects arranged on a flat surface which are fragmented, purposefully
placed within a specific natural context and then used as motivation to develop into paint.
Fluency in using a range of media is evident from the onset in the initial observational
drawings through to the jewellery and then into the environmental installation, photography
and in the final painting. Sculptural concerns, such as suspension and repetition are
incorporated into these forms. This submission purposefully develops ideas beyond the
intricacies of jewellery making into a more established presence in the environmental context
that clearly references environmental art established practice.
Unlike earlier samples in this school set, this submission demonstrates a clarification of ideas at
the bottom of panel two which clearly places it in the Excellence grade range.
These final works effectively integrate ideas explored in both 2d and 3d forms into
arrangements that revisit framing and viewing concepts. Contrasts between flat, textured,
coloured and linear areas have been carefully considered in the final composition.
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10
11
This submission has been verified at the lower end the Excellence
grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of related works based on the theme of self-identity
(viewing/ being viewed) within an urban environment.
The candidate clearly states the proposition at the start of panel one, in the photo-montage of
street iconography and street art which quickly moves into a thoughtful exploration of identity how I see myself, how I am seen.
Ideas are developed in sequences with exploration of pictorial conventions e.g. grid, repetition,
progression, mirroring and fragmenting. Each sequence builds on the others and is succinctly
pulled together and clarified on panel two.
For this sample to sit more comfortably within the Excellence grade range, this candidate
would need to recognise strengths shown in earlier works and build on these to show greater
clarification and fluency in the final work on panel two.
12
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Merit
15
This submission has been verified at the higher end the Merit grade
range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of work based on a still life theme, including Māori and
Pacific Island iconography, supported by contemporary cartoon characters and text.
Initial ideas are generated within still life drawing and printmaking, which are layered over
printed surfaces within a grid format. This layering technique leads toward a strong multi
coloured wood cut print. The candidate continues to develop ideas on the second panel by
introducing a range of collage, pattern-making and multi media techniques. Each arrangement
has been handled in a new way in regards to spatial relationships and media manipulation while
works are united with a limited colour palette.
The control in the handling of media, especially noted in the subtle arrangement of transparent
layers of print and paint surfaces with bold imagery (comic characters) and tonal modelling of
the Taro plant, has lifted this submission higher in the Merit grade range. The bookshelf
successfully conveys a sense of depth in what might otherwise appear to be a flat picture plane.
For this sample to move into an Excellence grade, this candidate would need to demonstrate a
clarification of ideas by investigating more solutions found in established practice in order to
progress ideas beyond the repetition of a narrow range of devices as seen on panel two.
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17
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This has been verified in the middle of the Merit grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of related works based on a narrative theme in Māori
mythology. Ideas are generated in the collection of imagery from landscape, flora, fauna,
anatomy of skulls and skeletons, Māori iconography, customary dress and patterning. Clear
links have been made between the works which sequentially develop and progress throughout
the sample.
The candidate has demonstrated control in the use of a range of media within the tonal pencil
drawing i.e. particularly in the use of the black and white wood cut print, stencilling and
painting techniques (washes and dry brushing).
The candidate has made purposeful decisions regarding the use of a limited colour palette. The
use of the more traditional circular motif as a framing device and layering of transparent
imagery was particularly effective in this sample.
For this sample to move closer to an Excellence grade, this candidate would need to investigate
more solutions found in established practice i.e. more artist models. In order to show a greater
progression of ideas the candidate would need to produce works beyond the repetition of a
limited range of devices, as seen on panel two.
19
20
21
This has been verified in the middle of the Merit grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of related works based on the theme of flight. Ideas are
generated in observational drawings of birds, feathers and plants. Ideas are systematically
developed in the stylisation and silhouette of the bird into patterned and cut out shapes which
are then arranged into paintings at the top of panel two.
Purposeful decisions have been made around the use of the colour palette with the interplay of
black and white bold patterning vs warm coloured textural elements as well as linear vs flat
shapes. The final work on panel two revisits the idea of positive and negative shape and space
while integrating and layering a number of ideas explored on both panels.
The candidate has demonstrated control in the use of a range of media within the drawing and
in the exploration of a variety of painting surface textures as well as some sculptural elements.
For this sample to move closer to an Excellence grade, this candidate would need to
demonstrate more fluency in the use of a range of media.
22
23
24
This has been verified in the middle of the Merit grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of related works based on the theme of placing manmade found objects within the natural environment. Ideas are generated on panel one in the
assemblage of found objects arranged on a flat surface. Items have been fragmented, moved
around in various spaces and incorporated into painting.
The candidate has developed ideas by forming the found objects into jewellery and then
locating these elements into sculptural arrangements in natural environments. Sculptural
concerns such as suspension and repetition are incorporated into these woven forms. Purposeful
decisions are made to use the string and fencing wire as framing devices which are applied into
the painting. The clear links between the 2d and 3d ideas places this sample comfortably within
the Merit grade range.
For this sample to move closer to an Excellence grade, this candidate would need to
demonstrate more fluency in handling media across the 2d and 3d fields.
Although photography has been used to document the jewellery pieces and environmental
installations, the candidate may have demonstrated more fluency by using conventions (tone,
light) and formal concerns (camera angle, lighting) into the art-making context.
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27
This submission has been verified at the lower end of the Merit
grade range
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a systematic body of related works based on the theme of Street Art which
derives imagery from popular culture, Pasifika patterning and graffiti/tagging within a
cityscape.
The candidate demonstrates control in using wet and dry media and within drawing, printing
(stencilling) and painting techniques (painted surface textures).
Ideas are developed in the layering of flat coloured shapes and stencilled imagery with brightly
painted and textured surfaces. Different compositional devices are used to manipulate spacial
relationships. The decisions made in the final compositions, which explore a variety of ideas
presented earlier, pull this sample into the Merit grade range.
For this sample to sit more comfortably within the Merit grade range this candidate would need
to show more sustained control over the range of media and progress ideas systematically
beyond repeating the overlapping of the same image on a variety of surfaces.
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Achieved
31
This has been verified at the higher end of the Achievement grade
range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a body of related works based on the theme of flight. Ideas are generated
in observational drawings of birds, feathers and plants. These are then developed in the
stylisation and silhouette of the bird into patterned and cut out shapes which are arranged into
paintings at the top of panel two. The final works revisit the idea of positive and negative shape
and space while incorporating techniques explored in panel one.
The candidate has appropriately used a range of media within the drawing and in the
exploration of a variety of painting surface textures as well as in some sculptural elements.
For this sample to move into a Merit grade this candidate would need to show more sustained
control of wet media. The candidate might also consider the value of progressing ideas that
move beyond the highly structured programme into more complex compositional solutions.
32
33
34
This has been verified in the middle of the Achievement grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a body of related works based on the theme of Street Art and derives it’s
imagery from popular culture, Pasifika patterning and graffiti/tagging within a cityscape. The
candidate has used an appropriate range of media within the drawing, printing and painting
techniques.
Ideas are developed in the layering of flat coloured shapes and transparent layers over brightly
painted surfaces. The arrangement of these within different grid formats holds this submission
comfortably within the Achieved grade range.
For this sample to move towards a Merit grade, this candidate would need to show more
control over the range of media and progress ideas systematically beyond repeating the
overlapping of the same image on a variety of surfaces.
35
36
37
This has been verified in the middle of the Achievement grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a body of related works based on the theme of self-identity within an
urban environment. Ideas are generated on panel one in the montage of street iconography and
text, executed in a range of media and techniques. Ideas are developed by adopting a ‘grunge’
stylistic approach in the rearrangement of pictorial elements and media within a grid format.
The departure of ideas (grid) on the top of panel two has supported the development of ideas
into new formats and arrangements.
For this sample to move towards a Merit grade, the candidate would need to show a greater
degree of editing, by recognising the potential ideas shown in the earlier pieces and developing
these further into the final works. Demonstrating a sustained control over a range of media may
have also contributed to a higher grade.
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40
This has been verified in the middle of the Achievement grade range.
The portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample presents a body of related works based on the theme of placing man-made, found
objects within the natural environment. Ideas are generated on panel one in the assemblage of
found objects arranged on a flat surface, which are fragmented, moved around in various spaces
and incorporated into painting.
The candidate has developed ideas by forming found objects into jewellery then placing these
as sculptural arrangements in the natural environments. Further decisions are made to develop
these shapes into geometric patterns and to use these as subject matter for painting which holds
this submission comfortably within the Achieved grade range.
For this sample to move closer to a Merit grade, this candidate would need to demonstrate more
consistent control of wet media and more systematic development in panel two.
41
42
43
This has been verified at the lower end of the Achievement grade
range.
This portfolio presents sufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with The New Zealand
Curriculum, Learning Media, Ministry of Education, 2007. Criteria relates to the following
strands in Visual Arts, Level 6: Understanding the Arts in Context; Developing Practical
Knowledge; Developing Ideas; Communicating and Interpreting.
This sample presents a body of work made of up individual and related works based on a still
life theme including Māori and Pacific Island iconography and is supported by contemporary
cartoon characters and text.
Initial ideas are generated within still life drawing which are then re-worked over subtle printed
surfaces within a grid format. This layering technique leads toward a strong multi coloured
wood cut print. The candidate continues to develop ideas on the second panel by introducing a
range of collage, pattern-making and multi media techniques. Such willingness to explore ideas
and media has been rewarded in the submission.
For this sample to sit more comfortably within the Achieved grade range the candidate would
need to demonstrate a more sustained control of both print and paint medium throughout both
panels, paying particular attention to the finishing of the final mixed-media work on panel two.
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Not Achieved
48
This portfolio has been verified at the highest end of the Not
Achieved grade range
The portfolio presents insufficient evidence to meet the criteria consistent with expectations of
the NZC at level 6.
This sample has been included in the online exemplars as it represents a body of work, which
almost meets the criteria of Achieved, yet lacks sufficient evidence to meet the standard
required for Level 6 of the New Zealand Curriculum.
The candidate does present a body of work exploring some ideas around identity within an
urban environment. The montage of photographic cropped images based on texture, pattern,
type and numbers become source imagery for the rest of the submission. The candidate has
orchestrated their own photo shoot of a model that is then used in combination with the source
imagery throughout the development of ideas, which very nearly pulls this submission into the
Achieved grade range.
However, although the candidate has attempted to use media to rework over transfers, for this
submission to be assessed as Achieved the candidate would need to demonstrate sufficient
evidence of appropriate use of a range of media across more works.
The candidate would also need to consider reviewing the editing the works to show a hierarchy
of ideas, with larger works being included towards the bottom of panel two, if they are to
achieve the higher grade.
49
50
51
This portfolio has been verified at the Not Achieved grade range
This portfolio does not present sufficient evidence to meet criteria consistent with The New
Zealand Curriculum, Learning Media, Ministry of Education, 2007. Criteria relates to the
following strands in Visual Arts, Level 6: Understanding the Arts in Context; Developing
Practical Knowledge; Developing Ideas; Communicating and Interpreting.
This sample has been included in the online exemplars as it represents a body of work, which
commonly lacks consistent evidence to meet the standard required for Level 6 of the New
Zealand Curriculum.
At the beginning of panel one, the candidate does present evidence of an appropriate use of
media in the recording of information from the subject matter and in exploration of surface
textures. The pencil linear and tonal drawings of birds and leaves clearly meet the standard.
However, once the candidate moves into wet media on panel two the level of control drops off
with works which do not demonstrate the level of technical control required.
For this sample to be assessed as Achieved, this candidate would need to present a more
comprehensive body of work which develops ideas beyond the repetition of the pre-cut stencil
provided. The combination of unfinished works and large unfilled spaces on panel two holds
this sample comfortably within the Not Achieved grade range.
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