Clarification details
Updated May 2015. This document has been updated to reflect issues arising from the implementation of the re-aligned standards. In particular, definitions of key terms have been provided.
Definition of terms used in this standard
Media is the plural of medium. In the arts, a medium is a material used by an artist or designer to create a work of art. Media may refer to both the material that is manually worked or applied and to the base on which it is applied. It may also refer to digital media such as electronic images and digital displays.
Effects are the observable signs which result from the use or application of media, such as texture, brushwork, lustre, and colour. These may be observed in features such as style, subject matter and meaning; however, care must be taken to ensure that students retain their focus on media and its effects rather than other aspects of art works.
Specific means precise. The use of this adjective means that students are required to locate and describe or explain precise details of effects in art work.
The effects created by the application of media may be observed in features such as style, subject matter and meaning; however care must be taken to ensure that students retain their focus on media and its effects rather than other aspects of art works.
Indicators of Performance
- An Achievement response will typically consist of simple descriptions of how at least two media are used, applied and/or manipulated. Simple descriptions are given of the specific effects created by the use of at least two art works.
- A Merit response will typically consist of longer statements that explain how at least two media are used, applied and/or manipulated to create specific effects. The response will also use supporting evidence from at least two art works. A High Merit explanation could be expected to emphasise the artist’s intent to achieve particular effects with his/her use of media.
- An Excellence response will typically consist of complex and detailed statements that evaluate the artists’ reasons for using, applying and/or manipulating media to create specific effects, using supporting evidence from art works.