Art Concepts And Vocabulary Quiz! Trivia

1. Which purpose of art does this painting satisfy?

Commemoration of an historical event

A personal narrative

Re-writing history

Cause and effect

Frida Khalo created her self portrait with her husband, Diego Rivera painted on her forehead. This personal narrative reflected the artist's angst in the less-than-perfect relationship.

Explanation

Frida Khalo created her self portrait with her husband, Diego Rivera painted on her forehead. This personal narrative reflected the artist's angst in the less-than-perfect relationship.

2. Which art adjective best describes this painting?

Realistic

Idealized

Abstract

Nonrepresentational

This painting is best described as an abstract, simplification of an object found in nature. Since it is an artist's interpretation of what a woman looks like, it is also stylized.

Explanation

This painting is best described as an abstract, simplification of an object found in nature. Since it is an artist's interpretation of what a woman looks like, it is also stylized.

3. For what purpose did Dale Chihuly create this work of art?

Commemoration; to celebrate a specific period in history

Decoration; to beautify the surroundings

Conceptual; this work is all about an idea

Social commentary; to urge spectators to take action

This work is intended to beautify its surroundings, so it is decorative.

Explanation

This work is intended to beautify its surroundings, so it is decorative.

4. Considering Christian ideology, in what way is this painting subversive?

The artist purposefully reverses the rolls of a well-known Bible story

The artist used a contemporary style to depict an age-old story

The artist painted it in oil instead of fresco

Here, Suzanne Caledon has subverted the Biblical version of the story of Adam and Eve. The artist did not accept that woman was responsible for original sin. Instead, she depicts Adam as the instigator for her own personal version of the story. Style is defined as repetitive characteristics practiced by an artist. Oil is a description of medium- the material of which a work of art is made.

Explanation

Here, Suzanne Caledon has subverted the Biblical version of the story of Adam and Eve. The artist did not accept that woman was responsible for original sin. Instead, she depicts Adam as the instigator for her own personal version of the story. Style is defined as repetitive characteristics practiced by an artist. Oil is a description of medium- the material of which a work of art is made.

5. When considering aesthetics, which of the following statements is valid?

"beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

Art must abide by standard rules in order to be considered beautiful

Beauty is universal

No one could possibly appreciate this work of art

Aesthetics is the philosophy pertaining to beauty or the lack of beauty. Art is subjective- "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". While not all viewers will find this work appealing, some will. Because it will not appeal to all viewers, it is not universally appreciated.

Explanation

Aesthetics is the philosophy pertaining to beauty or the lack of beauty. Art is subjective- "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". While not all viewers will find this work appealing, some will. Because it will not appeal to all viewers, it is not universally appreciated.

6. Which of the following is true of this work of art?

It demonstrates the idea of cause and effect

It was intended to be worn in a ritualistic dance

This mask was designed to address weather conditions

All of the above are true

The North Winds mask was designed to be worn during a ritualistic dance, to call upon spirits to affect weather in a positive way. Through dancing the ritual, these people hope to influence the future, making this a cause and effect gesture.

Explanation

The North Winds mask was designed to be worn during a ritualistic dance, to call upon spirits to affect weather in a positive way. Through dancing the ritual, these people hope to influence the future, making this a cause and effect gesture.

7. Which art adjective best describes this painting?

Nonobjective

Nonrepresentational

Stylized

Photorealistic

This painting represents Alice Neel's interpretation of what her sitter looks like, so it is stylized. In non-objective and nonrepresentational art, the subject matter is not identifiable, disqualifying these terms. This painting does not look as realistic as a photo, ruling out the term photorealistic.

Explanation

This painting represents Alice Neel's interpretation of what her sitter looks like, so it is stylized. In non-objective and nonrepresentational art, the subject matter is not identifiable, disqualifying these terms. This painting does not look as realistic as a photo, ruling out the term photorealistic.

8. Why is Classical Greek sculpture such as this important to our study of art?

It is made out of marble

It is representational

It is said to be the source of Western aesthetics

After this, art was never made this way again

Classical Greek art such as Doryphoros ( the Spear Bearer) by Polykleitos, is said to mark the beginning of a Western appreciation for naturalism in art. Throughout history, artists have looked back to this period in history for inspiration ( ie, Renaissance art, Neoclassicism).

Explanation

Classical Greek art such as Doryphoros ( the Spear Bearer) by Polykleitos, is said to mark the beginning of a Western appreciation for naturalism in art. Throughout history, artists have looked back to this period in history for inspiration ( ie, Renaissance art, Neoclassicism).

9. According to our text, what is not true about works of art such as "Fountain" by Duchamp?

An artist must make a work of art with his own hands

An artist can merely designate an object as a work of art

Re-contextualization of common place objects can make us consider them in a new light

The practice of appropriation continues on today

Duchamp designated a urinal found in a plumbing supply a work of art. He showed this work titled "Fountain" in a gallery. Because we see the urinal in a gallery, a setting for art, we must consider it to be art ( re-contextualization). This act of appropriation, taking an existing object as one's own, is widely practiced today.

Explanation

Duchamp designated a urinal found in a plumbing supply a work of art. He showed this work titled "Fountain" in a gallery. Because we see the urinal in a gallery, a setting for art, we must consider it to be art ( re-contextualization). This act of appropriation, taking an existing object as one's own, is widely practiced today.

10. Which statement guides us in choosing the correct adjective with which we can describe a work of art?

"beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

"a photograph is the yardstick of reality"

"art reflects the society from which it comes"

"art is what you can get away with"

A photograph is said to capture reality. Art that mimics a photograph is said to be realistic or naturalistic. A stylized image is the artist's interpretation of what the object looks like (less like a photo), and abstractions are simplifications of objects.

Explanation

A photograph is said to capture reality. Art that mimics a photograph is said to be realistic or naturalistic. A stylized image is the artist's interpretation of what the object looks like (less like a photo), and abstractions are simplifications of objects.

11. Which of the following reflects the term, context, in Hamilton's collage seen here?

Rampant consumerism

Collage

Britain, 1950s

An advertisement for Armstrong flooring

Hamilton's collage reflects the rampant consumerism of Britain in the 1950s. Context is a setting that denotes meaning. In this case, the context is historical- a given point within a particular culture in history ( Britain, 1950s). Collage is the medium in which the work was made; rampant consumerism is the content (the story being told).

Explanation

Hamilton's collage reflects the rampant consumerism of Britain in the 1950s. Context is a setting that denotes meaning. In this case, the context is historical- a given point within a particular culture in history ( Britain, 1950s). Collage is the medium in which the work was made; rampant consumerism is the content (the story being told).