Guan Wei Masterclass
Teaching notes
Contents
How to use this resource
Syllabus links
Discussion points and activities
Quality teaching
How to use this resource
Guan Wei Masterclass can be used as an individual study of a contemporary Australian artist or in conjunction with the study of other artists and related themes. Study of Guan Wei’s practice can inspire a range of artmaking activities as determined by the teacher in accordance with prior knowledge and skills of the class or individual student.
Guan Wei Masterclass can be used to further students’ understanding of the frames and the conceptual framework.
Syllabus links
Guan Wei Masterclass is a teaching and learning resource aimed at Stage 5 students of Visual Arts. It can be adapted by teachers for Visual Arts studies in Stages 4 and 6.
This resource will assist students to develop their understanding of artmaking, critical and historical studies including:
- practice (5.1, 5.7)
- conceptual framework (5.2, 5.8)
- frames (5.3, 5.9)
- representation (5.4, 5.10)
- conceptual strength and meaning (5.5)
- resolution (5.6).
Discussion points and activities
Subjective frame
- Write a subjective response to The consolation of constellation. You could write about:
- your first impression of the artwork
- aspects of this work that relate to your own world and describe how they relate
- whether the work reminds you of something that you have seen, heard and/or experienced.
- How are the feelings and experiences of the artist expressed in The consolation of constellation?
Structural frame
- Using books and/or the internet select a painting and an installation created by Guan Wei. Describe each artwork, focusing on how the selected artform has been used to create meaning.
- Describe some of the signs and symbols in The consolation of constellation.
Cultural frame
- How has Guan Wei been influenced by aspects of Chinese culture in The consolation of the constellation?
- How has Guan Wei been influenced by Australian culture and the contemporary world in his artmaking?
Postmodern frame
- In The consolation of constellation Guan Wei has included white plastic containers and lids, beige telephones and white shoes. Compare the original use of these objects with the new meaning given to them in this context.
- Using books and/or the internet select another artwork by Guan Wei that includes images appropriated from another source. Describe the elements that make this a postmodern artwork.
Conceptual framework
- Draw a diagram of the conceptual framework on a large piece of paper. Add text and arrows to this diagram to explain the relationships between the four agencies in relation to The consolation of constellation.
Practice
- Compare Guan Wei’s practice with that of another contemporary Australian artist who was born outside Australia.
Echo, 2005 (acrylic on canvas, 42 panels, 273cm x 722cm)
Quality teaching
The Guan Wei Masterclass, including the interview, images, related classroom discussion and learning activities, enables students to:
- analyse the relationships between the agencies of the artworld: artist, artwork, world, audience (Deep knowledge)
- focus on key concepts relating to artwork that is influenced by aspects of culture, e.g. critical and historical study of artwork created by three contemporary artists (Deep knowledge)
- explore specialist expertise to build deep knowledge, e.g. professional artists and teachers of art, the internet and art resources (Deep knowledge)
- compare, analyse, interpret and respond to the works of artists (Deep understanding)
- critique, evaluate, comment on, criticise, judge, justify and interpret artworks made by themselves and other artists (Higher-order thinking)
- talk about how visual texts work in relation to artists, artwork, audience and world (Metalanguage)
- use visual images and symbols to construct meaning (Metalanguage)
- interpret and reflect on their own artwork and the work of others (Substantive communication)
- communicate meaning orally, in written and in visual form (Substantive communication)
- understand quality criteria by continual and detailed reference to artists and artwork through images, biographies, statements and quotes (Explicit quality criteria)
- explore examples of artworks and information about the artists and their practice (Background knowledge)
- build upon prior skills and experience in researching, writing and responding to aspects of art practice (Background knowledge)
- consider the context of their work and that of other artists (Cultural knowledge)
- use their experience and responses to real life as a basis for their artmaking (Connectedness)
- recognise that their individual responses to artworks and issues relate to actual experiences and attitudes (Connectedness)
- examine historical accounts, biographies and case studies to enhance the significance of the lesson (Narrative)
- develop a discussion forum for contribution of their thoughts and opinions (Narrative).