AP Art History
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10.2 Purpose and Audience in Global Contemporary Art
Verified for the 2025 AP Art History exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
In this study guide, we will be examining several notable works of art that span across different cultures, mediums, and time periods.
From the hauntingly powerful Darkytown Rebellion by Kara Walker to the thought-provoking Shibboleth by Doris Salcedo, these works explore the human condition and its relationship to identity, history, and society. Mariko Mori's Pure Land offers a dreamlike meditation on spirituality and technology, while Cindy Sherman's Untitled #228 pushes the boundaries of representation and femininity. Song Su-Nam's Summer Trees provides a tranquil escape from the complexities of modern life, and Kui Hua Zi's (Sunflower Seeds) addresses the mass production and consumerism of contemporary China. Through these art pieces, we will delve into the depths of what it means to be human and the impact of the world on our individual and collective experiences.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Design by Maya Lin in 1982 and located in Washington D.C.
- A long, black granite wall that serves as a memorial for the fallen soldiers of the Vietnam War
- The names of all the soldiers are inscribed on the wall, creating a powerful and emotional impact
- The simple, yet striking design of the wall has made it one of the most visited memorials in the country
- Significance: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial represents the loss and sacrifice of the soldiers and serves as a symbol of the country's healing process. It also represents the shift in public perception towards the war, and serves as a powerful statement about the impact of conflict.
Summer Trees
- Summer Trees by Song Su-Nam is an abstract painting from the mid-20th century.
- The painting features a blend of organic and geometric shapes, with an emphasis on flowing lines and bold brushstrokes.
- The bright and vivid colors used in the painting evoke feelings of energy, vitality, and summertime.
- This work is representative of Song Su-Nam's distinctive style and his contribution to the abstract expressionist movement in Korea.
A Book from the Sky
- Created by Xu Bing in 1988
- A collection of Chinese characters that are completely invented by the artist
- The characters look like traditional Chinese characters, but are meaningless and meant to question the role of language in communication and cultural identity
- Significance: The work challenges the traditional notion of writing and questions the cultural and political power of language. It is a powerful commentary on the nature of communication and the role of language in shaping cultural identity.
Untitled #228
- "Untitled #228" is a photograph by American artist Cindy Sherman
- It is part of Sherman's "Untitled Film Stills" series, which features the artist playing various characters in self-portraits
- The photograph depicts Sherman in character as a fashionable woman, with a neutral expression and a distant gaze
- The image explores themes of identity, gender, and representation in popular culture and media
- "Untitled #228" is considered a key piece in Sherman's body of work and is widely recognized for its contribution to postmodern and feminist art.
Earth’s Creation
- "Earth's Creation" is a painting by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, an Indigenous Australian artist from the Utopia community in the Northern Territory.
- The artwork depicts the creation story of the Anmatyerre people, an Indigenous group from Central Australia.
- The painting is made up of thousands of dots and lines, which represent the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world.
- The central motif of the painting is the "Ancestor Snake," which represents the creative and transformative power of nature.
- Through "Earth's Creation," Kame Kngwarreye presents a vision of the world as a dynamic and interconnected system, in which all things are constantly in flux and connected to one another.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
- Designed by Frank Gehry in 1997
- A modernist building located in Bilbao, Spain
- The building is characterized by its curved, metallic forms and fluid lines
- Significance: The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a landmark of modern architecture and represents the importance of innovative design in creating cultural and educational institutions. It is also considered a key work in Gehry's oeuvre and showcases his unique approach to creating organic and dynamic forms.
Pure Land
- "Pure Land" is a large-scale installation by Japanese artist Mariko Mori.
- The work is designed to evoke a futuristic vision of a peaceful, utopian society.
- The installation features a large, oval-shaped chamber with a glowing, circular platform in the center.
- The platform is surrounded by a series of intricate, abstract forms that create a sense of organic growth and flow.
- "Pure Land" invites the viewer to contemplate the relationship between humans, nature, and technology, and to imagine a harmonious future for humanity.
Darkytown Rebellion by Kara Walker
- Darkytown Rebellion is a mixed-media work created by American artist Kara Walker. It is an example of contemporary art that addresses the issues of race, gender, and power.
- The work features a large, black, cut-out silhouette of a figure that is partially obscured by an abstract and fragmented background. The silhouette is typical of Walker's signature style and represents the black female body as a symbol of slavery, oppression, and exploitation.
- The fragmented background serves to disrupt the central image, further emphasizing the idea of fragmentation and division in society.
- In Darkytown Rebellion, Walker explores the legacy of slavery in the United States and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. The work is a powerful commentary on the history of slavery and its ongoing impact on American society.
Shibboleth by Doris Salcedo
- Shibboleth is a large-scale installation created by Colombian artist Doris Salcedo. It is an example of contemporary art that explores themes of trauma, loss, and migration.
- The installation features a crack in the floor of the gallery, which runs the length of the space. The crack represents a physical divide that symbolizes the emotional and psychological divisions caused by conflict and displacement.
- The work is a powerful commentary on the impact of conflict and displacement on individuals and communities. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace and security in many parts of the world.
MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome, Italy
- MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts is a contemporary art museum located in Rome, Italy. It is one of the leading institutions of its kind in Europe and is dedicated to showcasing the best of contemporary art, architecture, and design.
- The museum is notable for its innovative architecture, which was designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The building is a dynamic and fluid form that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
- MAXXI is a must-see destination for anyone interested in contemporary art, architecture, and design. Its exhibitions and collections are an important resource for students of art and design, and for anyone interested in understanding the developments and trends in these fields.
Kui Hua Zi (Sunflower Seeds) by Ai Weiwei
- Kui Hua Zi (Sunflower Seeds) is a large-scale installation created by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. It is an example of contemporary art that addresses the themes of politics, power, and individual freedom.
- The work consists of 100 million small, hand-made porcelain sunflower seeds that are spread across the floor of the gallery. The sunflower seeds represent the individual, while the sheer scale of the installation represents the power of the state.
- In Kui Hua Zi (Sunflower Seeds), Ai Weiwei explores the tension between the individual and the state in China, and the impact of this tension on individual freedom. The work is a powerful commentary on the role of the artist in society, and on the importance of freedom of expression.
In conclusion, these five works of art are important examples of contemporary art that explore a range of themes, including race, gender, migration, conflict, and power. They are powerful commentaries on the world we live in and the ongoing struggles that shape our lives. By studying these works, students can gain a deeper understanding of the role of art in our society and the impact of political, social, and cultural issues on artistic expression.
Key Terms to Review (20)
Ai Weiwei: Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist known for his provocative artworks that challenge political and social norms. He works across different mediums such as sculpture, installation art, photography, and film.
Book from the Sky: The "Book from the Sky" is an artwork created by Xu Bing, consisting of printed books and scrolls filled with thousands of made-up Chinese characters. It challenges the notion of language as a reliable means of communication.
Cindy Sherman: Cindy Sherman is an American photographer known for her self-portraits that explore themes of identity, gender, and the representation of women in popular culture. She often transforms herself into different characters using costumes, makeup, and props.
Darkytown Rebellion: Darkytown Rebellion is a 2001 artwork by Kara Walker that explores themes of race, power, and history. It consists of large-scale cut-paper silhouettes depicting scenes from the antebellum South.
Doris Salcedo: Doris Salcedo is a Colombian artist known for her powerful and thought-provoking installations that address themes of memory, loss, and social injustice. Her works often involve everyday objects transformed into haunting sculptures that evoke a sense of absence and collective trauma.
Earth’s Creation: "Earth's Creation" is a monumental artwork by Emily Kame Kngwarreye. It consists of 86 individual panels that represent various aspects of nature, including landscapes, plants, animals, and celestial bodies.
Emily Kame Kngwarreye: Emily Kame Kngwarreye was an Australian Aboriginal artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings. Her works often depict the Dreamtime stories and the connection between land, spirituality, and culture.
Frank Gehry: Frank Gehry is an influential architect known for his innovative designs characterized by bold shapes, unconventional materials, and dynamic forms. His buildings often challenge traditional architectural norms.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a contemporary art museum located in Bilbao, Spain. It is known for its unique architecture designed by Frank Gehry and houses a diverse collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
Kara Walker: Kara Walker is a contemporary American artist known for her provocative and thought-provoking works that explore themes of race, gender, and power. She is best known for her large-scale silhouette installations that depict scenes from history, often addressing the legacy of slavery in America.
Mariko Mori: Mariko Mori is a Japanese contemporary artist known for her multimedia installations that explore themes of technology, spirituality, and identity. Her works often incorporate elements of Japanese culture and new media technologies.
MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts: The MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts is a contemporary art museum located in Rome, Italy. It was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and opened in 2010. The museum showcases a wide range of art forms, including visual arts, architecture, design, and photography.
Maya Lin: Maya Lin is an American artist and architect known for her work in sculpture and landscape art. She gained recognition at the age of 21 when she won the design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., which became one of her most famous works.
Pure Land: Pure Land refers to a concept in East Asian Buddhism where believers aspire to be reborn in Amitabha Buddha's Western Paradise. It represents an ideal realm free from suffering and filled with enlightenment.
Shibboleth: Shibboleth refers to a large-scale installation by Doris Salcedo in which she created a long crack running through the floor of Tate Modern's Turbine Hall in London. This work explores themes of division, exclusion, and the hidden histories within public spaces.
Song Su-nam: Song Su-nam is a South Korean artist known for his abstract ink paintings inspired by traditional East Asian calligraphy. His works often feature rhythmic lines and delicate brushwork.
Summer Trees: Summer Trees refers to a series of artworks created by Xu Bing, a contemporary Chinese artist. These artworks are made using ink on paper and depict trees during the summer season.
Untitled #228: Untitled #228 is an artwork created by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1982. It is a large-scale painting featuring his signature style of bold colors, expressive brushwork, and graffiti-like marks.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a monument in Washington, D.C. that honors the members of the U.S. armed forces who fought and died in the Vietnam War. It consists of two black granite walls with the names of over 58,000 soldiers engraved on them.
Xu Bing: Xu Bing is a contemporary Chinese artist known for his innovative approaches to language and communication in his artworks. He often uses unconventional materials and techniques to challenge viewers' perceptions and question established systems.