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GRAAD 12
NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
VISUAL ARTS P1
NOVEMBER 2015
MARKS: 100
TIME: 3 hours
This question paper consists of 19 pages.
This question paper must be printed in full colour.
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Visual Arts Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2015 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Visual Arts Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2015 (English), 19 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Visual Arts · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2015. Question paper, 19 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Visual Arts
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2015
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 19
- File size
- 2.0 MB
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This exam
NSC November Exam 2015
Questions in this paper
- Question 1Visual Literacy and Art Analysis20 marks
- Question 2Visual Literacy and Art Analysis20 marks
- Question 3Socio-Political Art20 marks
- Question 4Art Craft and Spiritual Works from Rural South Africa20 marks
- Question 5Visual Literacy and Art Analysis20 marks
- Question 6Post-1994 Democratic Identity in South African Art20 marks
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Visual Arts/P1 2 DBE/November 2015
NSC
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
In this examination you will demonstrate the following skills:
• The use of the correct art terminology
• The use and implementation of visual analysis and critical thinking
• Writing and research skills within a historical and cultural context
• The placing of specific examples into a cultural, social, political and historical
context
• An understanding of distinctive creative styles
Read the following instructions before deciding which questions to answer.
1. This question paper consists of EIGHT questions.
2. Answer any FIVE questions for a total of 100 marks.
3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.
4. Questions appear on the left-hand pages, with visual sources on the right-
hand pages.
5. Ensure that you refer to the visual sources reproduced in colour where
required.
6. Information discussed in one answer will NOT be credited if repeated in other
answers. Cross-referencing of artworks is permissible.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Use the following guidelines for the length of your answers. Note the mark
allocation:
• 6–8 marks: a minimum of ½–¾ page (paragraph)
• 10–14 marks: a minimum of 1–1½ page(s) (short essay)
• 20 marks: a minimum of 2 pages (essay)
10. Write neatly and legibly.
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Visual Arts/P1 3 DBE/November 2015
NSC
GLOSSARY
Use the following glossary to make sure you understand how to approach a
particular question:
Analyse: A detailed and logical discussion of the formal elements of art,
such as line, colour, tone, format and composition of an artwork.
Compare: Point out differences and similarities in an ordered sequence within
the same argument.
Contemporary: Cutting-edge art from around the 1970s to the present day.
Contextualise: Relating to, or depending on the framework of information; relating
to the situation, time/era and location to which the information
refers.
Discuss: Present your point of view and give reasons for your statements.
Explain: Clarify and give reasons for your statement.
Formal elements The basic elements used to create a work of art, such as line,
of art: shape, tone, texture, colour, space, composition, et cetera.
Interpret: Analyse and evaluate (give an informed opinion of) an artwork.
Contextualise it historically, culturally, socially, politically, et cetera
and substantiate your findings by referring to similar specific
examples.
State: Give exact facts and say directly what you think – give your
opinion, as well as an explanation.
Substantiate: To support/motivate with proof or evidence.
Visual sources: The reproduced images that are provided in this question paper or
referred to in other sources.
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Visual Arts/P1 4 DBE/November 2015
NSC
ANSWER ANY FIVE QUESTIONS.
QUESTION 1: THE VOICE OF EMERGING ARTISTS
French Post-Impressionist, Paul Cézanne, and South African, Vusi Khumalo, both
created artworks which give us a glimpse into their different environments.
1.1 Compare the artworks in FIGURE 1a and FIGURE 1b by referring to the
following:
• Media and techniques
• Colour
• Perspective
• Style
• Possible message/meaning (10)
1.2 Write an essay in which you include at least TWO artworks you have studied
that portray scenes from the environment.
Your essay must include the following:
• Name(s) of artist(s) and titles of works
• Material and techniques
• Style
• Formal elements
• Composition (10)
[20]
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Visual Arts/P1 5 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 1a: Paul Cézanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire Seen from Bellevue,
oil on canvas, circa 1885.
FIGURE 1b: Vusi Khumalo, Informal Settlement Sakhile, mixed-media collage, 1996.
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Visual Arts/P1 6 DBE/November 2015
NSC
QUESTION 2: SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS INFLUENCED BY AFRICAN AND/OR
INDIGENOUS ART FORMS
Alexis Preller (FIGURE 2a) and Buyisile Mandini (FIGURE 2b) both show influences
from different cultures and styles in their artworks.
2.1 Write a short essay on FIGURE 2a and FIGURE 2b in which you refer to the
following:
• Subject matter/Influences
• Symbols
• Formal art elements
• Style
• Composition (10)
2.2 Discuss the work of any TWO artists you have studied, who are/were
influenced by African and/or indigenous art forms.
Use the following as a guideline:
• Names of artists and titles of works
• Influences on their artworks
• Imagery related to African/indigenous art forms
• Use of materials/media and styles
• Content and meaning (10)
[20]
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Visual Arts/P1 7 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 2a: Alexis Preller, Primavera, oil on canvas, 1965.
FIGURE 2b: Buyisile Mandini, Reproduction (refers to the title of the work; not the
print), linocut on Japanese paper, 1986.
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Visual Arts/P1 8 DBE/November 2015
NSC
QUESTION 3: SOCIOPOLITICAL ART, INCLUDING RESISTANCE ART OF THE
1970s AND 1980s
The artist Manfred Zylla is extremely concerned about the destiny of humanity and the
future of planet Earth. Art, for him, is a tool for social change and not about pretty
pictures.
3.1 With FIGURE 3 Manfred Zylla wants to change attitudes towards disabilities.
Discuss how he does this by referring to the following:
• Format/Triptych
• Imagery
• Line
• Focal point
• Space
• Colour
• Emotional impact (8)
3.2 Use the following as a guideline and write an essay in which you discuss the
works of any TWO artists that address sociopolitical issues:
• Names of artists and titles of works
• Imagery and symbols used
• Media and techniques
• Formal art elements
• Content and meaning (12)
[20]
Triptych: An artwork that consists of three parts, but reads as one work
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Visual Arts/P1 9 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 3: Manfred Zylla, Untitled (Lost), mixed media, 2007.
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Visual Arts/P1 10 DBE/November 2015
NSC
QUESTION 4: ART, CRAFT AND SPIRITUAL WORKS MAINLY FROM RURAL
SOUTH AFRICA
Both Helen Martins and Credo Mutwa are outsider artists, who created large sculptural
environments that portrayed personal spiritual beliefs.
Helen Martins (FIGURE 4a) created her environmental pieces at her home with the
help from locals such as Koos Malgas. The works were the physical manifestation of
her personal visions based on Biblical and Eastern philosophies. Owls were a recurring
theme in her work.
Credo Mutwa's sculptural piece (FIGURE 4b) reflects a creation myth, also referring to
the family that sits around the fire, while the parents teach rituals and beliefs through
story. Large birds surround the group of figures.
4.1 Study the visual sources in FIGURE 4a and FIGURE 4b and write a short
essay using the following:
• Give a brief description of the artworks.
• Why have the artists placed their art in an outside area? Give reasons for
your answer.
• Scale and space
• Styles and techniques
• What do you think is the function of the owls in FIGURE 4a?
• Why do you think were the figures portrayed naked in FIGURE 4b?
• Why have both the artists used cement in their works? Give reasons for
your answer. (10)
4.2 Compare at least TWO artworks, crafts or spiritual works that you have
studied.
You must refer to the following:
• Name(s) of artist(s) or crafter(s) and the titles of the artworks
• Formal art elements
• Material(s) and technique(s)
• Function and/or message (10)
[20]
Outsider art: Art created by untrained artists often of a visionary nature and naive
approach
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Visual Arts/P1 11 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 4a: Helen Martins (1897–1976), Owl House,
Nieu-Bethesda, cement, glass and wire.
FIGURE 4b: Credo Mutwa, Nkulu Nkulu, God The Father and The Chief of
Creation, and Nokhubuwana, God The Mother, Soweto cultural village,
rubble, cement, wire and paint, 1974.
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Visual Arts/P1 12 DBE/November 2015
NSC
QUESTION 5: MULTIMEDIA AND NEW MEDIA – ALTERNATIVE
CONTEMPORARY AND POPULAR ART FORMS IN SOUTH
AFRICA
Rhinos were once abundant throughout Africa and Asia. During 2014, in South Africa
alone, 1 215 rhinos were killed by poachers which led to a total of 386 arrests.
5.1 Write a comparison in which you discuss FIGURE 5a and FIGURE 5b by
using the following guidelines:
• Setting
• Mood/Atmosphere
• Technique
• Is the plight of the rhino communicated in these two works? Give reasons
for your answer. (8)
5.2 Write an essay in which you discuss the work of any TWO artists who have
used alternative/new media.
Use the following as a guideline:
• Names of artists and titles of works that you have studied
• Description of the works
• Media used
• Meanings/Messages
• How do these artists break the mould of traditional art? (12)
[20]
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Visual Arts/P1 13 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 5a: Faith 47, Taming of The Beasts, mural art,
acrylic paint and water-resistant conté, Shanghai, China, 2012.
FIGURE 5b: Beezy Baily, As It Is in Heaven, rhino skeleton,
gold leaf on resin horn, with plastic bird feather wings, 2012.
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Visual Arts/P1 14 DBE/November 2015
NSC
QUESTION 6: POST-1994 DEMOCRATIC IDENTITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
The use of the Lion matchbox places Varenka Paschke's work firmly in the context of
portraying a South African identity.
6.1 Study FIGURE 6 and write a paragraph in which you discuss the following:
• Title
• Linear elements
• Colour
• Overlapping/Layering of figures
• Floral background
• Composition
• Posture – meanings/messages
• Is it an expression of a typical South African schoolgirl? Give reasons for
your answer. (8)
6.2 In the form of an essay, discuss the work of any TWO relevant South African
post-democratic artists that explore their identity.
You must use the following guidelines:
• Names of the artists and titles of the artworks
• Subject matter/Themes
• Media/Techniques and materials used
• Formal art elements
• Possible meanings (12)
[20]
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Visual Arts/P1 15 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 6: Varenka Paschke, Safely Matched, acrylic paint, 2006.
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Visual Arts/P1 16 DBE/November 2015
NSC
QUESTION 7: GENDER ISSUES: MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY
Contemporary artists Berlinde de Bruyckere (FIGURE 7a) and Nicola Samori
(FIGURE 7b) continue the tradition of using the human form in their work. They
address male/female frailty/vulnerability often with underlying feelings of fear and
terror.
7.1 Compare FIGURE 7a and FIGURE 7b and discuss how these artists have
expressed human frailty/vulnerability by using the following criteria:
• How did the use of media affect the mood in each artwork?
• How has the concept of traditional beauty been distorted?
• FIGURE 7b shows a strong influence of Baroque art. Explain this
statement and refer to any other stylistic influences in both works.
• Which artwork do you think expresses a sense of frailty/vulnerability best?
Give reasons for your answer. (10)
7.2 Discuss the work of any TWO artists you have studied, whose works portray
gender issues in society.
You must use the following in your answer:
• Names of artists and titles of works
• Portrayal of images
• Formal elements of art
• Media and techniques
• Messages and meanings of the artworks (10)
[20]
Frailty/Vulnerability: Weakness and helplessness
Baroque: A European art movement during the 17th century
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Visual Arts/P1 17 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 7a: Berlinde de Bruyckere, Marthe,
wax, wood, wool, horse skin and hair, 1964.
FIGURE 7b: Nicola Samori, Agnese, oil on copper, 2009.
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Visual Arts/P1 18 DBE/November 2015
NSC
QUESTION 8: ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Architects throughout the world aim to produce solutions to housing problems.
FIGURE 8a shows typical South African low-cost housing, while FIGURE 8b gives an
alternative approach.
8.1 By referring to FIGURE 8a and FIGURE 8b, discuss the following:
• Materials/Aesthetics
• How has space been utilised in FIGURE 8a and FIGURE 8b?
• If you were a South African architect, which sustainable solutions would
you come up with to solve the South African housing crisis? (6)
8.2 Discuss at least TWO examples of South African architecture that you find
inspiring.
You must include the following in your discussion:
• Names of buildings and architects
• Functions and sites
• Stylistic features/Decorative features
• Environmental issues
• Use of materials and building techniques (14)
[20]
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Visual Arts/P1 19 DBE/November 2015
NSC
FIGURE 8a: Reconstruction and Development Programme, South Africa,
implemented in 1994.
FIGURE 8b: BSB Design, Architecture for A Change, (AFAC).
Prototype for the use of affordable/micro-housing in South Africa,
solar panels, corrugated metal, glass, 2013.
(Exterior and interior views)
TOTAL: 100
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