This document provides instructions for an interpreting visual culture assignment. Students are asked to choose one of four artworks and write an analysis addressing five prompts: 1) Their emotional response and what elements cause this, 2) Identified symbolism and iconography and the mood they create, 3) How the title impacts interpretation, 4) What context the work emerges from, and 5) How their own background influences their interpretation. The goal is for analysis to come from thoughtful reflection on the artwork.
Interpreting Visual Culture Assignment Choose one of the followin.pdf
1. Interpreting Visual Culture Assignment
Choose one of the following 4 artworks for your analysis. Remember there is no single correct
analysis different individuals interpret visuals differently. I am looking for analysis that comes
from a place of thoughtfulness and reflection. Message me if you have any questions.
Title: Langar Artist: Keerat Kaur (contemporary Panjabi Canadian artist)
2. Title: Catastrophic Storms Artist: Angela Aujla Year: 2020
3. Title: Caution Artist: Angela Aujla Year: 2022
4. Artist: Rupy C. Tut Title: Claiming Land Year: 2022
1. What is your emotional response to the artwork? What is it about the artwork that stirs this
emotional response? What is it about the elements of the artwork that cause this response? Please
explain with reference to the artwork. Look at all the little details.
2. What symbolism and/or iconography can you identify in the artwork? What is the mood or
feeling created through that symbolism and iconography? What message do you think this
artwork is trying to convey?
3. Does the title change the way you interpret the work? How so? Share your thoughts.
4. All art is in part about the world in which it emerged. What does this artwork speak to or
reflect the world in which it emerged? For example, which events and surrounding social and
political context have influenced this work (i.e. climate change; social movements such as
feminism; political events, economic situations, historic events, religious settings, cultural
events)? What effect did these have? For this section you might think about the artist and their
culture or history.
5. How does your own upbringing, experiences, beliefs, biases enhance or distort your
interpretation of the artwork?