Art
Interpretative Frameworks
Consider how different interpretative frameworks can be used to gain insights into the meanings and messages of Picasso's works.
Select a work of interest and analyse it through a specific framework. Choose from formal analysis or a cultural, gender, historical, political, psychoanalytical or symbolic framework.
Select a work and write a response as a formal analysis.
The Artist in Society
Do you think Picasso created a personal style and approach to his work?
Discuss Picasso's work as a reflection of social and personal issues.
Examine the position in which Picasso found himself between 1940 and 1944 living as a pro-Republican Spanish 'alien' in Nazi-occupied Paris.
What evidence is there that Picasso worked outside the social attitudes of the time?
Discuss how much of Picasso's work in the exhibition was denounced as 'degenerate art' by the Nazi Party in 1937.
Compare and Contrast
Examine the dialogue between the art of Picasso and Maar.
Compare and contrast a work by Picasso and Maar.
Discuss the possible influence each artist had on the other.
Explore issues of gender/sexuality in Picasso's mythological explorations of his relationship with Maar. What aspect of their relationship does this reflect?
Consider Picasso's representation of Maar as a Sphinx. How does this contribute to the meanings and messages of these works?
Commentaries and Opinions
What does the exhibition reveal about Picasso as an artist?
Research available commentaries on this exhibition and discuss two different viewpoints.
Meanings and messages
List some of the symbolic references in Picasso's art.
Picasso's influence on other artists is substantial. Find another artist working post 1970s who credits Picasso as an influence and discuss two examples of their work.
Studio Arts: Art Industry Contexts
There are currently over 200 staff at the National Gallery of Victoria. Consider the vital contribution of all departments to the success of this exhibition
When putting together a major exhibition, what planning and preparation is required by the National Gallery of Victoria?
Exhibition Design
What factors have influenced the presentation and display of this exhibition?
Investigate the special measures considered for the presentation of these works?
How is this exhibition different to other exhibitions you have previously viewed?
Conservation
What is the role of an Exhibitions Conservator?
Consider the conservation procedures put into place when the works travelled from Paris to Melbourne.
What is the most effective way to care for the items while travelling and on display?
The majority of items on display are paintings and works on paper including photography. What specific conservation requirements do they have?
Marketing and Publicity
How is the exhibition promoted to the public?
Who do you think the target audience for this exhibition is?
What media would you target for this exhibition?
Media strategy: What would you include in a media kit to promote the exhibition to journalists?
What advertising and promotional activities have you noticed leading up to the exhibition? Evaluate their effectiveness.
Sponsorship
Who are the sponsors?
Discuss the importance of sponsorship.
What are the associated costs involved in running an exhibition?
Graphic Design/ Multimedia
What associated products have been developed for this exhibition?
How does the NGV use multimedia within the gallery to promote the exhibition?
The Role of Public Galleries
The mission statement of the NGV is: Bringing Art and People Together.
How does the NGV achieve this?
What do you see as the role of public galleries?
How can galleries become more relevant to communities?
What is the difference between a public and commercial gallery?
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