AO2: Analyse and evaluate images, objects and artefacts, making informed connections

with the work of others

Evidence for AO2 could be visual, a piece of written work, or a combined visual, annotated

response. However, all the evidence students produce for this Assessment Objective should be

relevant to the project in hand. AO2 is not a stand-alone Assessment Objective. Teaching it as

such would affect students’ final marks.

Centres must fully integrate AO2 into the externally set assignment. Students should be

encouraged to research and consider relevant contemporary and historical artists and designers,

as appropriate to their chosen endorsement.

For example, students focusing on the genre of still life might reflect on the work of Cézanne,

Van Gogh, Patrick Caulfield or the photographer Emmanuel Sougez. Equally, they may be

drawn to a local still life painter, photographer or textiles artist. Making connections with, and

referring to, the work of artists and designers, will support students in the development of their

own ideas and understanding. Students should consider how artists use materials, media,

composition and the formal elements to pursue their own artistic preoccupations.

Students should consider the following key issues:

Transcriptions of the whole, or sections of, an artist’s work can illuminate that work for the

student. This can also help them in considering issues such as the complexity and application of

colour and the use of mark-making to create mood, expression or even passion in a piece of

work. Students may find it useful to annotate their findings and log useful, pertinent information

or thoughts. Visits to art galleries both real and virtual can be logged, as can conversations with

local artists. These experiences can help to inform the development of students’ visual language.

When making notes, either written or visual, students may find it helpful to consider the

following questions.

Ultimately, this Assessment Objective aims to extend the student’s capacity through looking at

and absorbing visual information about the work of artists and designers. In doing this, student

ideas, experience and understanding should broaden. This should be apparent in the experiments

with media and materials students carry out and produce for AO3.

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