Visual Art Paper 2 (Essay) WASSCE (SC), 2023

Question 8

 

  1. Define byzantine art.
  2. List any one example of Byzantine art.
  3. State any three characteristics of impressionism.
  4. State any three characteristics of expressionism.

 

 

Observation

Few of the candidates attempted this question and they performed poorly. The candidates were expected to answer in the following way:

(a)              Definition of Byzantine art

-           It is a body of Christian Greek artworks.      
-           It is the artworks of the Eastern Roman Empire.
-           Art produced during the middle ages.                      
-           It flourished between the 4th and 15th centuries.
-           It is defined by devotional, Christian subjects depicted in angular forms
with sharp contours, flattened colours and gold decoration.
-           Art that is characterized by moving away from naturalism of the classical
tradition.
-           Art that moves towards a more abstract and universal.
-           Art that give room for a definite preference for two-dimensional
representation.                                                                                                                                        

(b)                    Example of Byzantine art
-           Enthroned Madonna and child.
-           The miracle of the leaves and fishes.
-           Rala d’ Oro.
-           Madaba map.
-           Orthodox Christianity.
-           A tenth century mosaic of the Virgin Mary.
-           Hagia Sophia.
-           David composing the Psalms.
-           Anastasis.
-           Image of Christ.                                             

(c)                    Characteristics of Impressionism
-           Use of stylized forms, sharp contours, flat field of colour and gold mosaic.
-           Usually portable sizes.
-           Less concerned for mimicking reality.
-           More in tune with religious symbolism.                                
-           Use of chiaroscuro technique.
-           Depiction of light and its changing effect.                
-           Use of spontaneous brush strokes.
-           Representation of everyday life and landscapes.
-           Representation of true atmospheric effect.
-           Paintings are mostly outdoors, capturing realistic scenes of
modern life.

(d)                   Characteristics of Expressionism                                           
-           Distortion of forms.   
-           Attention to the depiction of emotion.
-           Against illusion of reality.
-           Use of rapid distorted brush strokes.
-           Intensification of colours to appeal to emotions.
-           Use of vivid colours.
-           Depiction of urban streets, scenes and other contemporary subjects.
-           Oil painting mostly on canvas.
-           Creation of shapes from angular lines and thick strokes.
-           Use of pure/heavy oil colour (impasto).
-           Abandonment of naturalism in favour of simplified style.
-           Use of brilliant greens, yellows and oranges.