Art Start Schools Resource

The World Behind an Artwork - Comparison and contrast

An Art Start Art Activity

Activity objective: to support the development of visual literacy through comparing and contrasting artworks with a focus on the relationship between the artwork and the different contexts in which they are made and/or the different artists who made them.

Classroom Activities

Identify two artworks that have a common theme or subject. Each artwork should be from a different cultural or historical context and/or by a different artist.  Research and compare and contrast the two works, using the following questions.

  • What is represented or presented in each artwork and how?
  • Consider use of art elements, design principles, art materials and processes?
  • How does each artwork reflect the context in which it was made and/or the experiences and ideas of the artist.

Consider using artworks from the image bank:

An Affinity diagram or a Venn diagram might help your thinking for this activity.

Information and Resources

Victorian Essential Learning Standards Venn Diagram – graphic organiser
Victorian Essential Learning Standards Affinity Diagram – graphic organiser