# Visual Arts Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2013 Memo (English)

> Grade 12 Visual Arts Paper 1 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2013 (English), 24 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

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- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Visual Arts
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Memorandum
- Year: 2013
- Exam period: NSC November Exam
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 24

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Visual Arts · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2013. Memorandum, 24 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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                                   GRAAD 12

                                  NATIONAL
                             SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                                   GRADE 12

                                 VISUAL ARTS P1

                                 NOVEMBER 2013

                                 MEMORANDUM

MARKS: 100

                       This memorandum consists of 24 pages.

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Visual Arts/P1                                2                           DBE/November 2013
                                      NSC – Memorandum

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before commencing marking:

1.        This question paper consists of TEN questions. Learners must answer any
          FIVE questions for a total of 100 marks.

2.        It is MOST IMPORTANT that allowance is made for the learners in many
          instances:
          a. Learners must be given credit for providing their own opinions and ideas
               in answers.
          b. Credit must also be given for lateral thinking.
          c. Also important is that arguments and statements are well reasoned and
               qualified by reference to specific factors.

3.        Questions and subsections must be numbered clearly and correctly.
          Bullets usually act as guidelines to help structure learners' answers.

4.        Information and artworks discussed in one answer must not be credited if
          repeated in other answers but artworks may be cross-referenced.

5.        Where applicable, learners must name the artist and title of each artwork
          mentioned.

6.        Where appropriate, learners may discuss both two- and three-dimensional
          artworks in any question.

7.        Remember that many learners will be discussing these examples, never
          having seen them before. Markers therefore cannot expect factual,
          academic information. They should draw upon their own experiences,
          cultures and interpretations of the artworks, within the context of the
          question. Therefore markers need to be open-minded and flexible in the
          marking process.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR MARKERS

•    This memorandum is to serve as both a guideline for markers as well as a
     teaching tool. Therefore, the memorandum for certain questions is in greater
     depth, as the information may be used as notes for learning material. Other parts
     of the memorandum may merely be a suggested guideline.

•    NOTE: Markers are encouraged to reward learners for what they know, rather
     than punish them for what they don't know.

•    Although the information for the questions is given in point form, learners must
     write in essay/paragraph format discussing their information in a holistic manner.

•    Learners must answer all the questions in FULL SENTENCES or PARAGRAPHS,
     according to the requirements of each question. Answers in point form cannot
     receive full marks.

•    Markers must refer to the Visual Arts SAG document rubric (p.24) to obtain a
     guideline to assess the levels of achievement.

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Visual Arts/P1                                  3                                  DBE/November 2013
                                        NSC – Memorandum

Assessing learners' ability to analyse and respond to examples of visual culture

   ACHIEVEMENT
                                LEARNING OUTCOME 4: VISUAL CULTURE STUDIES                              
   RATING CODE
         7             •   Demonstrates exceptional ability to respond to and analyse artworks in
    Outstanding            relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts.
     80–100%           •   Shows outstanding ability in the use of appropriate visual arts
                           terminology.
                       •   Demonstrates extremely well-developed writing and research skills in
                           the study of art.
                       •   Shows exceptional insight and understanding and uses divergent
                           approaches.

          6            •   Demonstrates a well-developed ability to respond to and analyse
     Meritorious           artworks in relation to their cultural, social, political and historical
      70–79%               contexts.
                       •   Shows excellent ability in the use of appropriate visual arts terminology.
                       •   Demonstrates highly developed writing and research skills in the study
                           of art.
                       •   Shows excellent insight and understanding.

         5             •   Demonstrates substantial ability to respond to and analyse artworks in
     Substantial           relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts.
      60–69%           •   Shows substantial competence in the use of appropriate visual arts
                           terminology.
                       •   Demonstrates well-developed writing and research skills in the study of
                           art.
                       •   Shows a good level of insight and understanding.

         4             •   Demonstrates moderate ability to respond to and analyse artworks in
      Moderate             relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts.
      50–59%           •   Shows moderate competence in the use of appropriate visual arts
                           terminology.
                       •   Demonstrates competent writing and research skills in the study of art
                       •   Shows a fair level of insight and understanding.

          3            •   Demonstrates adequate ability to respond to and analyse artworks in
      Adequate             relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts.
       40–49%          •   Shows adequate competence in the use of appropriate visual arts
                           terminology.
                       •   Demonstrates adequate writing and research skills in the study of art.
                       •   Shows an adequate level of insight and understanding.

          2            •   Demonstrates only basic ability to respond to and analyse artworks in
     Elementary            relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts.
       30–39%          •   Shows little ability in the use of appropriate visual arts terminology.
                       •   Demonstrates basic writing and research skills in the study of art.
                       •   Shows an elementary level of insight and understanding.

          1            •   Demonstrates little or no ability to respond to and analyse artworks in
    Not achieved           relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts.
       0–29%           •   Shows extremely limited ability in the use of appropriate visual arts
                           terminology.
                       •   Demonstrates limited writing and research skills in the study of art.
                       •   Shows little or no understanding or insight.

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Visual Arts/P1                                4                          DBE/November 2013
                                      NSC – Memorandum

QUESTION 1: THE EMERGING VOICE OF BLACK ART

1.1       Learners must choose any TWO images from FIGURES 1a, 1b and 1c and
          write an essay in which they discuss the similarities and differences between
          these paintings.

          They must make as many observations as they can, regarding the following:

          •      Style and techniques
          •      Use of colour
          •      Use of shape
          •      Composition
          •      The feelings and atmosphere these works convey

          IF LEARNERS DISCUSS A THIRD EXAMPLE NO MARKS WILL BE
          AWARDED FOR IT. MARKERS MUST MARK THE FIRST TWO
          EXAMPLES GIVEN.
          IN THE CASE OF ONLY ONE EXAMPLE DISCUSSED, THE LEARNER
          MAY ONLY BE AWARDED A MAXIMUM OF 6 OUT OF 10 MARKS.

          FIGURE 1a: Erich Heckel, Glassy Day, oil on canvas, 1913.

          Erich Heckel was one of the founders of the German Expressionist group Die
          Brücke. In this work, a woman is shown naked against an awesome nature of
          snowy mountain peaks, reflected in a lake. Her arms are raised to display a
          body painted to resemble an African sculpture. She has a pot belly,
          pendulous breasts and partly visible face. This is an example of the many
          nudes in nature and bather subjects produced by members of the Brücke
          group. The woman is denied recognisable features and she functions as both
          a literal and symbolic representation of the 'primitive' and 'woman as nature'.
          The work is expressionistic with violent brushwork. The thinly applied paint
          does not cover the entire surface of the canvas, creating the sense that it was
          done spontaneously and in haste. Heckel's paintings show a cubistic
          influence when travelling to Berlin. His work has a suggestion of Picasso's
          Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. The painting is expressive and consists of
          straight angular lines that form interlocking crystal-like shapes that seem to
          penetrate all the other elements. Even the clouds seem like solid cube-like
          shapes. The zigzag form of the landscape is balanced by the warm-coloured
          sculptural form of the woman and rocks in the foreground. The composition is
          dominated by translucent, blue brightness of the sky and water. The warmer
          coloured landscape and the brownish woman contrast with the cold blues and
          whites. The atmosphere is one of a frozen iciness due to the colours and
          shapes. It feels cold and alienated as the woman seems to be in a reflective
          mood. This work reminds us of Paul Cezanne- fragmented shapes.

          FIGURE 1b: Peter Clarke, Flute Music, oil on canvas, 1960.

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          Peter Clarke's work shows the hardships and suffering of the coloured
          community in Cape Town. The Group Areas Act led to the relocation of many
          coloured communities to the Cape Flats in areas such as Atlantis, Ocean
          View, etc. These sandy areas were located far from their jobs and led to
          displaced communities. In this work a young boy (focal point), is the largest
          figure is playing a flute amidst a field of Arum lilies. The three white arum lilies
          in the foreground bring sharpness to the front and encircled him. In the
          background simple houses are painted of the disadvantaged community.
          Aerial perspective is created by the smaller figures Two figures, a dog, a
          wagon, and a piece of wood is shown in the background.

          Clarke gives dignity to the boy playing the flute – it is as if the music carries
          him away from the mundane hardship of his everyday life. There is a strong
          awareness of modern international styles in his works which is seen in the
          stylisation and simplification of his shapes. The angularity in the shapes
          shows an expressionistic influence. Everything is stripped down to basic
          shapes without much detail. The colour is subtle, mostly greens, blues and
          browns. His clothes form a contrast between the cool blue shirt and warm
          yellow shorts. There is a dreamlike atmosphere. Expressionism, hard
          outlines, etched shapes/stylized-simplified

          FIGURE 1c: Gladys Mgudlandlu, Three Men in Blue, oil on canvas.

          Gladys Mgudlandlu, who died in 1979, has been described as the first African
          woman painter of note and she was the first to exhibit in Cape Town, if not on
          the entire continent. Mgudlandlu lived most of her life in semi-poverty,
          teaching by day, often painting at night by the light of a paraffin lamp in her
          tiny home in Nyanga. Mgudlandlu was largely self-taught and described
          herself as a 'dreamer-imaginist'. She created her own unique African
          expressionist style of painting using vivid colours with bold, rhythmic brush-
          strokes to depict landscapes, people, fauna and flora overlaid by the influence
          of Xhosa folklore. Three Men in Blue seems like a conventional modernist
          landscape, reminiscent of Maggie Laubser. Her saturated colour and
          expressive brushstroke describe the landscape and figures. Three men
          clothed in dark blue are standing with their backs to the viewer. They are
          distorted and child-like with exceptionally large hands. They are gazing into
          the distance. The landscape is an in bright warm yellow that contrasts with the
          blues of the figures. The clouds are painted in broad strokes to form a
          turbulent sky. The painting is about direct expressionism, distortion and the
          power of colour. There is a play between cobalt, ultramarine and raw sienna.
          Shadows are detached from the individuals, as though projected into the
          scene from other figures outside the frame. Expressionistic qualities, colour-
          simplification and distortion-naive.                                                      (10)

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Visual Arts/P1                                  6                        DBE/November 2013
                                        NSC – Memorandum

1.2       Learners are to discuss the artworks of any TWO artists they have studied,
          whose work tells them about their personal observations.
          Their essay should include the following:
          •      Names of artists
          •      Titles of artworks
          •      Inspirations and influences on these artists' work
          •      Formal art elements used in the artworks                                       (10)
          •      Themes and meaning                                                             [20]
          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE ARTIST THE MAXIMUM WILL
          BE 6 OUT OF 10.
QUESTION 2:          SEARCH FOR AN AFRICAN IDENTITY IN SOUTH AFRICAN ART
2.1       The Dogon artefacts in FIGURES 2a and 2c were used as a source of
          inspiration for Alexis Preller and Deborah Bell.
          Learners must write a paragraph on these TWO works (FIGURES 2b and
          2d), in which they consider the following:
          •      Influences on and use of Dogon imagery
          •      Composition
          •      Style
          •      Interpretation or message
          •      How the use of the Dogon images helped to create an African identity in
                 the works of Preller and Bell
          CROSS REFERENCE OF ARTWORKS MUST BE EVIDENT IN THE
          LEARNERS ANSWER
          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE EXAMPLE THE MAXIMUM
          WILL BE 5 OUT OF 8.
          FIGURE 2a: Dogon Seated Couple.
          This Dogon sculpture is from Mali. It depicts two seated figures carved out of
          wood. They have sharply angled legs, and their arms are bent at the elbows
          and wrists to create a step like form. The breasts are placed high on the
          female torso, and continue the mass of the shoulders. This stylisation of the
          human body can be seen in many Dogon sculptures.
          The almost featureless faces conform to the simplification of forms that
          characterizes these sculptures. This piece probably represents a protective
          spirit (dege) or a nommo ancestor and would have been had ritualistic
          significance.
          FIGURE 2b: Alexis Preller, Adam and Eve.
          South African artist Alexis Preller made use of references from a number of
          different cultures and art movements in his artworks. He often merged
          aspects and imagery from the 'real' world, with that of a more personal
          internal, psychological one. His own life experiences, including his travels to
          many exotic countries as well as his birth place of Pretoria are used as
          inspiration. Surrealistic type imagery abounds in his work.

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Visual Arts/P1                                7                           DBE/November 2013
                                      NSC – Memorandum

          In Adam and Eve, Preller depicts a Dogon carving of a man and wife, as
          seen from the front and the back. It was unusual, for Preller to make faithful
          representations of actual objects at this stage of his career, but here he has
          adopted these figures as 'stand-ins for the human protagonists in a Judeo-
          Christian cultural myth'.

          Influenced by the Dogon sculpture Seated Couple, which was carved
          according to the basic conventions of the Dogon culture, Preller transformed
          the image into a two-dimensional representation on canvas.

          The seated couple are the focal point of the composition, yet their identity is
          obscured. They look like Dogon figures, but placed into Preller's abstract
          landscape along with elements from other African artefacts, they take on a
          regal status. This is similar to that of Egyptian art – the male figure being
          darker than the female one.

          Adam and Eve has been meticulously painted with subtle colouring. The
          forms are clear and the space has a luminous quality to it. Around the edges
          of the format he has placed a decorative border. Both African and
          Renaissance influences are evident.

          There are no shadows or indication of the source of the light, but the main
          elements of the composition – excepting the symbolic 'Tree of Life' are
          surrounded by a shadowy silhouette, a device that had appeared in previous
          Preller paintings.

          FIGURE 2c: Dogon Door (relief) – The decorative door has been carved
          from wood. The frame around the figures has geometric shapes carved into
          the wood. It consists of stylised figures which reach to the skies and could
          indicate that they are praying to the gods.

          FIGURE 2d: Deborah Bell, Greasing Palms – Salutations, etching, drypoint
          and chine colle, 1997.

          Deborah Bell is a South African artist who is influenced by museum objects
          from ancient civilizations. Her work incorporates multi-layered references to
          past and present worlds.

          Greasing Palms – Salutations, is a vertical composition. The strong focal is
          that of two large hands, indicating that two people are shaking hands – either
          in greeting or as the title implies shaking on a 'deal' made which would benefit
          both parties. There is a use of expressive drawing in the form of drypoint
          etching.

          The ominous element is the AK47 in the centre of the format with the Dogon
          inspired set of three figures at the very top. These standing figures have their
          hands up as if in surrender. Bell has drawn these figures in the same
          expressive roughly-hewn style seen in the carved Dogon door.

          Smaller images – not too clearly seen have been included near to these
          standing figures. A rough line drawing of kneeling, begging figures are shown
          at the feet of the Dogon figures. They look as if they have almost been erased
          or obscured by the white surface.

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Visual Arts/P1                                   8                          DBE/November 2013
                                         NSC – Memorandum

          The images on the left and right of the standing Dogon figures show a man on
          a bicycle, a car and people under an umbrella – so called everyday activities            (8)

2.2       Learners must write an essay on any TWO artworks they have studied that
          show strong influences of African and/or international art.

          The following should be considered:

          •      Name(s) of artist(s) and title(s) of work(s)
          •      African/International influences
          •      Formal elements of art
          •      Composition, style and technique
          •      Subject matter and message conveyed                                               (12)
                                                                                                   [20]
          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE ARTWORK THE MAXIMUM
          WILL BE 7OUT OF 12.

QUESTION 3: ART AND POLITICS: RESISTANCE AND PROTEST ART

3.1       Learners must discuss how these TWO works (FIGURES 3a and 3b) depict
          the 'emotional mess' by referring to the following:

          •      Use of specific images
          •      Colour and texture
          •      Composition and space
          •      Atmosphere of each work
          •      Possible messages/interpretations of each work

          FIGURE 3a: Willie Bester, Forced Removal, mixed media, date unknown.

          This mixed media rectangular artwork represents a South African community
          being bulldozed down. The Bulldozer is seen as a metaphor for the injustice
          of a political system, forcing people from their homes. The people are shown
          horrified by the act of destruction. Compositionally the artwork is illustrative of
          a town with a green mountain view in the background. The building on the
          right is seen intact and the building on the left is being demolished by the
          bulldozer. Above the bulldozer popular brand names are visible namely Pepsi
          and BP. There is also the indication of a supermarket 'Simla'. There are feint
          representations of people. Two figures are shown behind the bulldozer and a
          single man wearing blue pants is seen on the far right of the composition.
          They seem to be painted onto the walls. The wording 'made in England' is
          imprinted on the lower left hand side of the artwork, however it is written
          upside down. We know that this artwork represents a South African
          community and not an English one. The question is what was made in
          England?

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          The artwork has vertical, diagonal and horizontal lines which are seen in the
          buildings and roofs. The only curved line is seen in the mountain.
          The use of bright colours is seen in both the building and the bulldozer. The
          bulldozer (the focal point) almost blends into the colouring of the buildings.
          The dominant colour is yellow, blue and red. Yellow is symbolic of happiness
          but this scene is not one of happiness. The buildings are a mixture of both
          rectangular and square like buildings. There is shallow space and the viewer
          feels that they are right in front of the composition and there is a sense of
          danger. Chaotic and sense of insecurity. Frustration and contempt with the
          government as they bulldoze their homes to the ground. Drawing the attention
          to the plight of the common people.

          FIGURE 3b: Eric Ndlovu, Children Trapped, oil on cloth, 1985.

          This oil painting represents children fleeing from a fire or explosion. Two
          children, a baby and a pig/dog/goat are seen running down a road towards
          the viewer. The cars on the left hand side of the road are abandoned and
          have been destroyed and in bad shape. The sign on the building on the left
          indicates that it was once a bank. The telephone and electricity cables have
          also been damaged. There is a single shoe lying in the road and a 'no
          parking' sign is seen on its side. There is indication of abandoned baskets
          and suitcases, broken glass, old bins, a single bicycle, and pieces of paper (or
          it could be money).

          A rectangular composition. Diagonal lines are dominant in this composition.
          The diagonal lines create a sense of space and perspective as they recede.
          The diagonal lines of the road converge and meet at the focal point- a white
          banner which is stretched across the road and an orange/yellow blaze of fire
          is visible before the road continues. The colouring in the rest of the painting is
          comprised of earthly tones, greys and whites. The painting is realistic and no
          impasto (thickly applied paint) is visible.

          Realistic portrayal and imaginative artwork that gives us a nightmarish quality.
          A sense of urgency, chaos and fear is prevalent in this artwork.

          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE ARTWORK THE MAXIMUM
          WILL BE 6 OUT OF 10.                                                                     (10)

3.2       Learners must discuss the work of any TWO artists they have studied who
          reflect on situations of turmoil and tension.

          They must include the following in their answer:

          •      Names of the artists
          •      Titles of artworks
          •      Issues addressed in the work
          •      Style of the work
          •      Use of formal art elements
          •      Meaning and interpretation                                                        (10)
                                                                                                   [20]
          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE ARTIST THE MAXIMUM WILL
          BE 6 OUT OF 10.

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QUESTION 4: CRAFT AND APPLIED ART

4.1       Learners must write a paragraph on whether they either agree or disagree
          with the statement. They must refer to FIGURE 4a and any other pot
          reproduced in FIGURES 4b, 4c and 4d, considering the following:

           •     Traditional versus contemporary

          The first pot is a traditional clay pot made by Nesta Nala, which is used for
          traditional purposes while the pots of Charmaine Haines, Grayson Perry and
          Ardmore are more contemporary, decorative pots are made for aesthetic
          purposes.

           •     Shape

          The traditional clay pot Figure 4a has a basic rounded shape with a narrow
          opening similar to the pot in Figure 4b which is more elongated and taller. The
          pot from Ardmore Figure 4c has a wider opening; the pots in Figure 4d and
          Figure 4b have similar basic classical/amphoral shapes.

           •     Decoration

          FIGURE 4a is decorated with incised patterns or amasumpa (literally 'warts')
          which is an ancient form of decoration in which bumps of clay are created
          either by sticking them on the piece or embossing them from inside. Nesta
          selected the section of the pot to be decorated and then applied amasumpa
          which are attached with clay slip and smoothed into the surface with a pebble.
          Decoration is applied to the shoulder of the pot.

          FIGURE 4b is decorated with simplified, stylised lines and forms of the human
          face. Some textured patterns are applied on the forms. Coloured stains and
          natural oxide washes are used to further exemplify the manipulative and
          expressive quality of the clay surface, including carving and textures, showing
          a strong sense of surface pattern.

          FIGURE 4c: The pot is highly decorated with repetitive patterns and shapes.
          The face/portrait of Bonnie Ntshalintshali who was an exceptionally talented
          potter at Ardmore died in 1999 becomes the focal point. Since then, her story
          has inspired many other artists.

          FIGURE 4d: The pot in Fig 4d was made by the British artist Grayson Perry –
          he mixes text and figurative illustration to convey the artist's personal and
          peculiar message. These images are applied in different layers and colours.

           •     Methods and techniques

          FIGURE 4a: She creates a utility item for collecting water or storing home-
          made beer. Contemporary craft artists as seen in 4b, 4c and 4d are more
          decorative and have either been painted or sculptural pieces have been
          added to the vessels. Nala's pot is hand-coiled and smoothed with a gourd
          shard or other smooth object. When the clay is leather-hard, it is burnished
          with river pebbles.

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          FIGURE 4b: Vessels are thrown and altered incorporating sculptural
          elements and semi-relief. Coloured stains and natural oxide washes are used
          to further exemplify the manipulative and expressive quality of the clay
          surface, including carving and textures showing a strong sense of surface
          pattern.

          FIGURE 4c: This pot is a tribute to Bonnie Ntshalintshali who worked at the
          Ardmore art centre. Ardmore pieces are usually the result of combined efforts.
          Some works are hand-built and then painted, but many others are built up
          with decorations by artists from basic shapes thrown on the wheel by regular
          potters. After the work has been bisque fired, the painters choose pieces to
          paint. Eventually the works are glazed and fired by artists selected for these
          tasks. Red aids ribbons and a portrait of Bonnie have been painted on the
          pot.

          FIGURE 4d: The surface of his vase is richly textured from designs marked
          into the clay, followed by intricately complicated glazing and photo-transfer
          techniques. The shapes/images are stylized.

           •     Response

          Learners must give their own personal response to these pots as a work of art
          or not. They must give valid reasons for their answers. This is an open ended
          question.

          LEARNERS MUST DISCUSS ONLY TWO ARTWORKS.                                                 (8)

4.2       Learners must discuss the importance of the work of any TWO South African
          craft artists whose work they have studied.

          They must refer to the following:

          •      The names of the craft artists
          •      The materials and techniques used
          •      The decoration and construction used
          •      Any other relevant information related to each of the artists discussed           (12)
                                                                                                   [20]
          IF THE LEARNERS IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE
          ARTISTTHE MAXIMUM WILL BE 7 OUT OF 12.

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QUESTION 5: ART AND POWER

5.1       The images of Mandela in FIGURES 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d stir up strong
          emotions in the viewer.

          Learners must write a paragraph in which they discuss the following:

           •     Their response to the larger than life drawing in FIGURE 5a

          The drawing is a super-realistic rendering with charcoal and conté. The
          portrait has a regal or majestic feel as Mandela's portrait is placed in front of a
          pitch black background. The use of chiaroscuro/use of light and dark and
          shallow use of space allows the viewer to focus/zoom in on his facial features.
          The artist has also drawn a part of his decorative shirt which has abstract
          star-like shapes on it.

           •     Whether the memorial in FIGURES 5b, 5c and 5d should be treated
                 as a 'sacred shrine'. Give reasons for your answer.

          The sculpture is in memory of Mandela's life. It is not a place of worship as he
          is only an icon and not a god. When you walk through the structure it radiates
          like a burst of light, which is symbolic of the political uprising of many people
          and solidarity. The artist said the sculpture showed the irony of the apartheid
          government trying to stop the struggle, but it had the opposite effect as it
          helped to grow and galvanise the movement.

           •     Interesting use and placement of the steel rods to create the image
                 of Mandela's face

          The non-conventional sculpture is comprised of 50 charcoal coloured steel
          columns. When approaching the sculpture from the front a portrait of Mandela
          is visible. It has vertical bars which represent his imprisonment. The bars are
          not placed in a single row. If the viewer were to move to the side of the
          sculpture as seen in Figure 5b there is no image but just slanted vertical
          jagged rods. These steel rods could also represent spears. The use of steel
          could also be representative of the South African mining.

           •     Importance/Significance of the site

          The artist said the sculpture showed the irony of the apartheid government
          trying to stop the struggle, but it had the opposite effect as it helped to grow
          and galvanise the movement. Zuma has encouraged generations to visit the
          site because those who do will be inspired.

          The site will become more important when Mandela dies as many people will
          pay their respects to him at this site. This site is the only tangible image of
          Mr Mandela as the majority of South Africans have never met him.

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           •     Manner in which the viewer can interact with this sculpture

          The memorial is a portrait of Mandela from the front. When you walk through
          the structure it radiates like a burst of light, which is symbolic of the political
          uprising of many people and solidarity.

          If the viewer approaches the sculpture from the side spear-like, shattered rods
          or bars are seen spaced far enough for the viewer to move between them.
          Some of the bars are closer than others which might create a feeling of
          claustrophobia, containment and capture when walking through and in
          between the rods. This same feeling was experienced by Mr Mandela when
          he was captured and jailed.                                                              (10)

5.2       Learners must write a short essay on ONE commemorative building,
          memorial or artwork they have studied which they feel is representative of a
          worthy cause or individual.

          Their essay should include the following:

          •      Name of their example, as well as the architect or artist who designed it
          •      Whom or what this example is dedicated to
          •      Types of material and techniques and decorations used in its design
          •      Significance of the site of the building/structure
          •      Purpose/Function of this example
          •      Use of any decorative features on this example
          •      How successfully this example pays tribute to the person/event it is
                 dedicated to
          •      Learners' response to this example. They have to substantiate their
                                                                                                   (10)
                 answer.
                                                                                                   [20]

QUESTION 6:          THE ROLE OF THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL ART CENTRES IN
                     THE TRAINING OF ARTISTS IN APARTHEID/POST-APARTHEID
                     SOUTH AFRICA

6.1       After reading the information and referring to the visual                 sources
          (FIGURES 6a, 6b and 6c), learners must discuss the following:

          •      Possible reasons why printmaking became so prominent amongst black
                 artists at this time
          •      Use of text in both works
          •      Symbols and subject matter
          •      Style
          •      Space and perspective
          •      Purpose/Message

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          •      Possible reasons why printmaking became so popular amongst
                 black artists at the time:

                 o    It is a more graphic form of art- visually effective for expressing a
                      narrative.
                 o    More than one print could be made- mass-produced.
                 o    It is a cheaper and convenient form of art for artists to reach out to a
                      wide audience simultaneously.
                 o    During this period artists focused their creativity on denouncing the
                      demise of apartheid portraying the anxious socio-political conditions
                      in South-Africa.

          •      The introduction of text:

          The reasons why Muafangejo introduced text in his work:
               o   As an aesthetic strategy.
               o   To contextualise his picture.
          Text is used in the poster Figure 6b to convey a message and make a
          statement. The same size of lettering in uppercase is used throughout.

          •      Style:

          Both FIGURES 6a and 6b are done in a flat stylised manner with simplified
          shapes and forms. The lettering is also flat and simple.

          •      MEDU ART ENSEMBLE

                 o    In 1977, a group of 'cultural workers 'from the townships fled into
                      exile in Gaborone, Botswana; In Gaborone they established the
                      cultural organization Medu Art Ensemble (Medu is a SePedi word
                      meaning roots). Medu ran units specializing in music, theatre,
                      graphics and visual arts, photography; and 'research and
                      production' (writing).
                 o    Over the eight years of its existence, Medu varied from 15 to as
                      many as 50 members. Most were South Africa exiles.

          •      Subject matter:

          In FIGURE 6a Muafangejo depicts a scene with people clustered together
          shown exposed from the chest up, except for the priest on the lower far left
          hand side of the picture. The priest dressed in his white robe stands out more
          than all the rest of the crowd. The title of the work didactically reveals that this
          gathering is actually a prayer meeting. The title of the work is inserted into the
          circular format in the middle of the crowd. Three graphic depictions of the
          crucifixes are visible.

          In FIGURE 6b The poster is a depiction of a female, who is the focal point.
          Her left shackled fist is raised in the air. The image is printed on white
          accentuating the wording. The white horizontal lettering is placed in the lower
          part of the composition. The colouring of the women is a subtle variation of
          light greens which eventually become black.

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          •      Space and perspective:

          FIGURE 6a: To create an illusion of space Muafangejo overlapped the
          figures. The work still appears flat and graphic. Intense contrast has been
          achieved by rendering the people in the crowd in alternating fashion between
          dark and light tones or black and white. There is interplay between the
          negative and positive spaces.

          FIGURE 6b: The figure of the female is overlapped by the lettering. The
          background is done in one flat colour of a variation of greens and black.

          •      Purpose/message:

          FIGURE 6a: To document and record his life-narrative.

          FIGURE 6b: To convey information, as well as a socio-political message.

          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE EXAMPLE THE MAXIMUM
          WILL BE 5 OUT OF 8.                                                                 (8)

6.2       Learners must write an essay in which they discuss the significance of any
          adult South African art centre they have studied.

          They must refer to the following guidelines:

          •      Funding and function of the art centre
          •      Types of artworks created
          •      The work of ONE artist who studied at this centre
          •      Subject matter, media and techniques used by the artist learners have
                 selected                                                                     (12)
                                                                                              [20]
          FOR MAXIMUM MARKS THE LEARNER MUST DISCUSS THE CENTRE
          AND ONE ARTIST, IF ONLY ONE DISCUSSED THE MAXIMUM WILL BE 7
          OUT OF 12.

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QUESTION 7:          MULTIMEDIA – ALTERNATIVE CONTEMPORARY AND POPULAR
                     ART FORMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

7.1       With reference to the statement and the visual sources (FIGURES 7a–7c),
          learners must discuss the following in an essay:

          •      How would learners define an installation?

          An installation is an artwork that uses space as an integral part of the work.
          The viewer can usually 'enter' the piece and become a part of it. It allows for a
          variety of media to be used, both two-dimensional/three-dimensional and
          traditional/contemporary e.g. digital, etc. It can also include smells, sounds,
          etc.

          Cai Guo-Qiang conceived Head On in Germany in 2005, for his first solo
          show in Germany at the Deutsche Guggenheim. To compliment Head On,
          Cai Guo-Qiang also created large gunpowder drawing entitled Vortex, as well
          as a video of an explosion entitled Illusion II which shows an entire house
          being blown up with colourful fireworks in the centre of Berlin. Cai Guo-Qiang
          explained that all three pieces related to Berlin, but at the same time, applied
          more universally to the human condition. His art exemplifies the beauty of
          destruction, heroism, and human blindness; these elements are universal.

          •      What, do learners think, would be the effect of FIGURE 7a on the
                 viewer?

          Head On is an installation consisting of ninety-nine life-sized replicas of
          wolves and a Plexiglas wall. It took Cai half a year to make the wolves in his
          hometown, Quanzhou, China where a local workshop was commissioned to
          make the lifelike wolves. They are actually clothed in painted sheepskins and
          stuffed with hay. Their realistic faces are made of plastic with marbles to
          create lifelike eyes. Their ears are laid back, their mouths are open with bared
          teeth and tongues which hang out as they run towards something with great
          deliberation only to crash into the glass wall and consequently fall to the
          ground. The wolves are packed closely together to create the illusion of an
          arch of movement as some are suspended above the heads of the viewers.
          This beautiful arch of wolves is contrasted with those who have crashed into
          the wall and lie on the ground with twisted and broken bodies.

          Learners can comment on the life-like realism of the wolves, the size of the
          piece, etc. Also the overwhelming sense of movement and that as an
          installation the work can be viewed from all sides, even from beneath some
          wolves.

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          •      It has been remarked that FIGURE 7a is both tragic and beautiful. Do
                 learners agree with this statement? They must give reasons for their
                 answer.

          There is a profound beauty in the arch of wolves. Cai Guo-Qiang's intention
          for the glass wall was to increase the energy and movement of the forward-
          pressing pack of wolves, to accelerate their force and make it more intense at
          the moment of impact, to heighten the energy and beauty of the wolves.

          It becomes a tragedy when the running and leaping wolves crash into the
          wall. There is a clean arc of wolves with elongated bodies; they stretch to
          reach the approaching glass panel. It is juxtaposed with the disorderly wolf
          bodies that smash into the wall. The wolves that lie on the floor have been
          sculptured with twisted heads and limbs. Some are broken and placed in
          unnatural positions and eventually pile up one on top of the other. There is an
          abrupt juxtaposition of the streamlined running wolves with the broken,
          crumpled, 'lifeless' bodies of the other wolves on the floor.

          •      According to Cai Guo-Qiang, FIGURE 7a symbolises the human
                 condition. In the light of this statement, learners must interpret the
                 message of this work. They must take the pack of wolves and the
                 glass wall into consideration.

          Head On visually expresses the universal human tragedy to press forward in
          complete blindness. This has occurred throughout history. Cai Guo-Qiang
          uses the wolves to represent the human world. A lone wolf is a symbol of
          bravery and courage, while a pack of wolves represents a unity. Humans are
          easily blinded by collective actions and ideologies. They follow the pack like
          the wolves only to crash 'head on'. This is a recurrent theme in history where
          people blindly support political systems and ideologies, without really
          considering the consequences of their actions. Humanity is easily blinded by
          a kind of collective mentality and action, and is destined to repeat such error
          to an almost unbelievable degree.

          (Since the work was commissioned by a German museum in Berlin, Cai Guo-
          Qiang wanted to deal with the many issues that surround the city. It became
          the capital of the German Reich in 1871. In 1933, Adolf Hitler took over and
          that was the end of German democracy. The Berlin Wall was constructed in
          1961 and separated East and West Germany for more than a quarter of a
          century. The wolves in this piece may represent Hitler and his soldiers. Hitler
          called himself 'Herr Wolf' and referred to his 'SS' men as his 'pack of wolves'.
          The glass wall that the wolves collide into could be seen to represent The
          Berlin Wall.)

          The work has since been exhibited internationally and the message is a
          universal one. Cai Guo-Qiang explained that the plate glass wall was
          intentional as it is a transparent boundary, harder to see and harder to escape
          from.

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          •      Learners must say how the artwork in FIGURE 7c is the result of
                 both planning and chance.

          The invention of gunpowder is attributed to the Chinese. The use of
          gunpowder in fireworks is a part of traditional Chinese culture and Cai grew
          up in a setting where explosions were common. This ancient Chinese
          invention is used by Cai to create contemporary works that remind one of
          historical Chinese ink drawings. The gunpowder artwork Vortex was created
          in the atrium of the Deutsche Bank. Handmade paper was spread out on the
          floor, and the motifs were formed by a dozen varieties of gunpowder, topped
          with stencils with the images of wolves and pressure-forming cardboards and
          rocks. Various grades of gunpowder were used.

          The artist lit a fuse, and the drawing was ignited in a matter of seconds,
          producing an enormous white cloud of smoke. When the cardboard is
          removed, the new work reveals itself as a result of both planning and chance.
          The drawing shows the burnt and smoky charcoal-stained traces left behind
          after the explosion. The creation of these works is usually done in public. Cai
          has channelled his Chinese heritage and memories in the gunpowder
          drawings. He says that he began working with gunpowder to foster
          spontaneity and confront the suppressive, controlled artistic tradition and
          social climate in China.

          •      The overwhelming sense of movement in both FIGURE 7a and
                 FIGURE 7c

          Along the length of the wall, the wolves gain momentum and rise in a tight
          pack into an arc of simulated movement. The wolves are packed closely
          together, creating the illusion of one long, moving 'stream' of wolves. The
          'stream', is suspended above the heads of the viewers, moving towards, and
          finally crashing forcefully, into a Plexiglas wall at the opposite end of the
          room. In Vortex wolves are chasing one another in a circular motion.

          •      The learners' opinion on his innovative use of media and techniques

          Learners must give their own substantiated opinion.                                    (10)

7.2       Multimedia art goes beyond the boundaries of what is normally seen as 'art'.

          Learners must critically analyse at least TWO multimedia artworks that
          they have studied, to explain how they broaden the idea of art.

          They must include the following:

          •      Names of artists and titles of artworks
          •      Description and analysis of artworks
          •      Messages and/or meanings of artworks
          •      Ways that these artworks enrich and broaden the viewer's idea of art            (10)
                                                                                                 [20]
          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE ARTWORK THE MAXIMUM
          WILL BE 6 OUT OF 10.

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QUESTION 8:          ART AND THE SPIRITUAL REALM – ISSUES IN ART AROUND
                     BELIEF SYSTEMS AND THE SACRED

          Learners must write an essay on FIGURES 8a, 8b and 8c by discussing the
          following:

          •      The possible interpretations of using ash in the sculptures of Zhang
                 (FIGURES 8a–8c)

          Zhang Huan is an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist who has
          resided in New York for many years. Since returning to China, he has
          embraced the Buddhist faith. Zhang 'discovered' the beauty of ash while
          burning incense at a Buddhist temple in Shanghai. He has used ash as a
          medium in a body of new work that includes paintings and drawings. The ash
          from burning incense is a fragrant and physical residue of an intense spiritual
          act. Zhang has the ash collected weekly from some twenty temples around
          Shanghai. The large quantities of incense ash are sorted into patchwork
          palettes of different tones and grades: the finer dust is sifted from the coarser
          flakes, the lighter tones from the darker ones.

          In his sculptural works, the ash is mixed with water and glue, creating a
          malleable, cement-like substance which is finished with a liberal dusting of dry
          ash. In their encrusted surfaces, Zhang Huan reads the personal histories –
          the hopes, blessings and remembrances – of the millions of Chinese for
          whom incense burning is a daily ritual.

          Ash is refers to death and cremation in many religions. The Roman Catholics
          have Ash Wednesday. At Christian funerals they talk about 'ashes to ashes,
          dust to dust' – that what remains behind.

          •      The spacing/positioning of the figures in relation to each other

          Ash Jesus and Ash Buddha are installed face-to-face with one another. In a
          kind of religious showdown, the figures were installed facing each other;
          Jesus with hands outstretched, and Buddha sitting cross-legged, the perfect
          embodiment of tranquillity. They seem to converse with one another face to
          face over the open space in between them.

          •      The postures of the two figures and the mood they convey

          The Jesus figure consists of a head, arms and torso. It reminds one of
          Leonardo da Vinci's Jesus in his Last Supper. Jesus is humble, open and all
          forgiving with his head tilting to the side in a caring, nurturing way. Buddha is
          raising his hand as if to give a blessing. Both figures are larger than life. Huan
          created these figures of two of the most prominent religious figures in the
          world standing nearly three meters high. There is a religious and
          contemplative mood. The ash gives a very textural finish to the works.

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          •      Jesus and Buddha are some of the most recognisable religious
                 images of the West and the East respectively. What ideas/meanings,
                 do the learners think, Zhang wants to convey by placing these two
                 figures facing one another?

          The work asks for religious acceptance and tolerance. In this work Eastern
          and Western cultures are brought together, highlighting the likenesses and
          differences between Eastern and Western religions and cultures                       (6)

8.2       Learners must discuss the work of any TWO artists they have studied in
          which the artist(s) visualised spirituality and/or religious issues.

          Their essay must include the following:

          •      Names of the artists
          •      Titles of artworks
          •      Use of formal elements of art
          •      Style and technique
          •      Communication of religious and/or spiritual concerns by discussing the
                 possible meanings and interpretations of these works                          (14)
                                                                                               [20]
          IF THE LEARNER ONLY DISCUSSES ONE ARTIST THE MAXIMUM WILL
          BE 9 OUT OF 14.

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