AO1

‘Develop their ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by 

contextual and other sources 

demonstrating analytical and cultural 

understanding’

 

How to look carefully and give an opinion

Assessment objective 1 (AO1) is about analysing (looking carefully) and evaluating (having opinions about) all sorts of images and objects made by other artists and designers. You'll need to think about why designed objects or artworks are so important in our lives.

Assessment objective 1(AO1) follows on from your work on AO3- recording and observing.

Remember AO1 should be followed throughout your coursework.

 

AO1 requirements

Analyse

Look carefully at the work of other artists and 

designers - including those from other cultures. Look carefully at works of art, designed objects, 

photographs and anything else relating to your theme.

 

Evaluate

Form an opinion about the objects, looking at:

subject matter

content

meaning

technique

 

Context - Put the work into context. For example:

Why was it created?

When and where was it created?

What is its purpose?

Is it functional, conceptual or aesthetic?

 

The best way to approach AO1 is by using the SEMI approach.

 

Does AO1 have to be done in any order? Answer: No

You might start by studying the work of an artist, crafts person or designer (AO1), before you start making your initial studies (AO3).

You might start by creating a series of rough,        experimental pieces in a variety of media (AO2). Now you will need to start analysing and writing about what worked and what didn't (AO1). Maybe then take photographs (AO3) to explore your idea further.

Most importantly don't see the assessment objectives as lots of boring writing. There are no essays.

The SEMI approach will help you get good marks for AO1  SEMI stands for:

Subject

Elements

Media

Intent

 

An example

All art, craft and design work can be described using three or four of these headings. Here’s an example of how it works.

Here is Duncan Grant’s painting ‘Garden Path in Spring’.

 

Garden Path in Spring, 1944

Here is a SEMI analysis of the painting.

Subject - landscape, spring, garden path, realistic

Elements - harmonious colours, shape, pattern, space, sense of perspective

Media - oil paint, canvas, brush strokes

Intent - Outside in the dappled light this picture shows a sense of springtime.

It’s uplifting, sunny, warm, and peaceful. This is the artist’s own garden path.