Art Analysis Frameworks and Frames

Start with the frames

The mind map Frames introduces the subjective frame through the artist’s personal experiences. It refers to dreams, imagination, memories and feelings as influences on an artist. It also points to what an artwork is made of and how it is viewed. Start here if you want an overview before working through questions.

Next, use the flashcard deck The Frames to go over the subjective, cultural, structural and postmodern frames. Its cards include key terms for each frame, giving you a way to practice recognizing the language used in analysis.

Explore the frameworks

The mind map The Frameworks presents the formal, personal, cultural and contemporary frameworks. It includes visual analysis, technique, style, symbols and metaphors, as well as elements and principles. Compare these headings with the frames you have already studied, noting the questions or terms each resource uses.

A flashcard deck on the frames also asks what the cultural and postmodern frames explore. Another includes questions about emotional responses, meaning, organization and symbols. These give you different starting points for discussing an artwork.

Move from maps to practice

After studying a map and working through the flashcards, try the quiz on the subjective, structural, cultural and postmodern frames. It also includes material on characteristics of modernism. Return to the maps or cards when you want to check a term or look at a frame again.

Use this section within the unit

Art Analysis Frameworks and Frames is part of the Art Criticism and Analysis unit in Visual arts. Its maps, cards and quizzes offer a focused place to practice the language and approaches used in this section of the unit. Pick a resource and follow the order that works for you.