Visual Art Making & Exhibiting

Purpose and Structure

This study provides a framework for students to recognise their potential as an artist and provide a sense of individual identity. Students explore and experiment in creating, developing and engaging with the visual arts to build a strong skill set. Critical thinking skills are developed to interpret the world they live in. Independent and collaborative learning is encouraged to facilitate innovative ideas. The practices of artists are investigated from different time periods, cultures and in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Looking at the difference and diversity in the views of others who work in the arts industry provides students with a stronger awareness of the various forms that art can take.

Unit 1: Exploring, expanding and investigate 

Materials, techniques and processes are explored in a range of artforms. They expand their knowledge and understanding of the characteristics, properties and application of materials used in art making. Students also explore the historical development of specific artforms and investigate the characteristics, properties and use of materials and techniques that have changed over time.

Unit 2: Understand, develop and resolve 

In Unit 2, students continue to research how artworks are made by investigating how artists use aesthetic qualities to represent ideasin artworks. They broaden their investigation to understand how artworks are displayed to audiences, and how ideas are represented to communicate meaning. Students respond to a set theme and progressively develop their own ideas. Students learn how to develop their ideas using materials, techniques and processes, art elements and art principles. The planning and development of at least one finished artwork are documented in their Visual Arts journal. Students begin to understand how exhibitions are planned and designed and how spaces are organised for exhibitions.

Unit 3: Collect, extend and connect 

In this unit students are actively engaged in art making using materials, techniques and processes. They explore contexts, subject matter and ideas to develop artworks in imaginative and creative ways. From the ideas documented in their Visual Arts journal, students plan and develop artworks. Students receive constructive feedback on the progress of their art making to develop and extend their ideas and they present a critique of their artworks to their peer group. Students will visit a range of exhibitions.

Unit 4: Consolidate, present and conserve

In Unit 4, students make connections to the artworks they have made in Unit 3, consolidating, and extending their ideas and art making to further refine and resolve artworksin specific art forms. The progressive resolution of these artworks is documented in the student’s Visual Arts journal. 

Students organise the presentation of their finished artworks. They make decisions on how their artworks will be displayed, the lighting they may use, and any other considerations they may need to present their artworks. Students also present a critique of their artworks and receive and reflect on feedback. Students continue to engage with galleries and examine a variety of exhibitions. They review the methods used and considerations involved in the presentation, conservation and care of artworks, including the conservation and care of their own artworks.