Discuss the cultural significance of the artwork and how it reflects the times in which it was created.

Galia Linn
As A Cage, 2016-2023
Wood, metal, plexiglass, and yarn Madera, metal, plexiglás e hilo
L2024.60
Courtesy of the artist and Track 16 Gallery Cortesía de la artista y Track 16 Gallery
You will be asked to write a research paper on ONE of the artworks you have picked at your museum visit. Do not write about all of them. We will be picking the topic of your research project during our one on one meeting after the midterm. Your research paper should be 3-5 pages (750-1500 words) and include the following:

1: Artwork Details:

Name of the artwork
Name of the artist or culture/era
Year of creation
Technique used
Size of the work
Museum where it is displayed
Include a photo of the artwork with the paper

2: Artist/Culture Information:

Brief information about the artist or culture
Include a photo of the artist or relevant image of the culture
“For example: Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian Renaissance polymath known for his contributions to art, science, and invention. Da Vinci’s mastery extended beyond painting, encompassing fields such as anatomy and engineering, reflecting the intellectual richness of the Renaissance era. Born near Florence in 1452, he lived until 1519 and created the Mona Lisa during his time in Florence.… ”

3: Descriiption of form and content.
Form: visual descriiption, what it looks like
Content: subject matter, story or message behind the work that gives it meaning and makes it interesting
For example: The Mona Lisa is a half-body portrait of a woman with long brown hair, a subtle smile mysterious gaze. She sits in a three-quarter view against a distant landscape. The blue-gray background creates atmospheric perspective, with the curves of her hair and clothing echoing the shapes of the landscape. The artist’s skillful shading technique, Sfumato, is evident in her softly sculpted face and hands, showcasing his mastery of human anatomy. The sitter’s identity is debated, adding to the enduring mystery, with theories suggesting the artist’s mother, or even a disguised self-portrait…”

4: Context:

Explore historical, geographical, social, political, cultural, personal contexts surrounding the artwork.
Identify major influences, unique circumstances, and conditions that shaped the work.
Discuss the cultural significance of the artwork and how it reflects the times in which it was created.
As you’re describing the context please consider: Social dynamics, Political climate, Religious beliefs and practices, Economic factors, Environmental influences, Cultural heritage and traditions, Dominant artistic styles, Artistic education and institutions, Intellectual currents and ideologies, Technological advancements and access to materials, Global and historical events, Power dynamics, Cultural exchanges, Market demands and competition, Patronage and commissions, Target audience, Artist-patron relationships, Artist’s personal experiences and emotions. Elaborate on the most important factors that shaped your artwork.
“For example: Da Vinci created the Mona Lisa at the peak of the Renaissance in Florence, Italy.The Renaissance marked a shift from religious art to an emphasis on individual expression and scientific exploration.The Mona Lisa, depicting an unknown individual with a mysterious smile and gaze, accentuates the uniqueness of the subject.The artist’s meticulous anatomical accuracy indicates scientific studies, while his interest in classical ideas, like the harmony between micro and macro, is reflected in repeated elements throughout the composition.”

5: Personal Reaction:

What attracted you to this work?
Elaborate on your personal reactions or relation to it
Include a selfie with the artwork

Research Paper Guidelines:

List at least 3 references in APA format
Books: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Publisher.

Journal Articles: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page range. DOI or URL

Web Pages: Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day of publication). Title of webpage. Name of Website. URL

Avoid plagiarism; use your own words and cite quotes properly.
Please refer to the student handbook for consequences of plagiarism.
Do not copy paste directly from online resources or ChatGPT
Be very very careful of chatGPT which gives you a lot of “fluff”, empty, filler sentences that basically say nothing, fancy expressions that are easily recognizable as chatGPT language
Express personal opinions, feelings, or reactions only in response to the last question
Ensure your paper has a clear structure: introduction, development, and conclusion.
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
Include images of the artwork and the artist. If the artist is unknown feel free to use an image depicting the culture or a map.

Please note, each student will deliver a 5 minute oral presentation of this research paper to the whole class at the end of the quarter.

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