Ways of Talking in an Art Classroom

Throughout the term, we learned about different “ways of talking” in an art classroom. We learned about the following processes:

• Artist circle: Students share their work (usually optional) and ask each other questions about each other’s work.
• Non-judgemental critique: Students share their work (usually optional) but the artist is not identified. The class discusses what they like about that piece of art.
• Critical analysis: The class analyses the artwork of a famous artist.

Here is a chart that outlines each of these processes in more detail!

Each class, we participated in a critical analysis to see an element of design, principle of design, or image development strategy reflected in a famous piece of art. Here is the format for a critical analysis and some sample questions:

I made some questions for a critical analysis on Brian Jungen and his artwork: “Shape Shifter” and “Masks from Nike Running Shoes.” This critical analysis would be used in a Grade 7/8 classroom.