Critique of some works of art at the Art Gallery of Ballarat-Australia.

In pre-revolutionary Mexico, satirical cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada created etchings of what he called the “calaveras” (skulls and skeletons) romping through the afterlife. He was fascinated by society’s predilection for illicit love affairs, murders and political shenanigans. Posada is now considered one of Mexico’s most important artists and Diego Rivera claimed him as a significant influence.

“Posada’s images are really playful and have become a symbol also of Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, the annual Mexican celebration that remembers deceased loved ones,” says McLaren. This year, Melbourne’s Day of the Dead will be held in Ballarat for the first time, during the exhibition.

The inclusion of Posada’s prints is courtesy of art consultant David Hulme, who arguably holds Australia’s largest collection. “It is testament to the continuing relevance of his work that his images are still drawn on today in street art, graffiti and in tattoos,” says Hulme who has loaned the gallery some of Posada’s stamp-sized, hand-carved wood blocks too.

For the show McLaren has also commissioned three new works from Australian artists. Reko Rennie – whose artistic roots lie in graffiti and draw on his Aboriginal heritage – is in the process of painting an impressive eight-metre mural inside the gallery. Melbourne artist Sally Smart is taking a very local approach with a massive collage referencing the forgotten women of the Eureka Stockade. And Fiona Hall, who represented Australia at the 2015 Venice Biennale, has an installation piece.

And then there’s Shaun Gladwell’s virtual reality project, Orbital Vanitas, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. “I’m incredibly excited about this work that uses very historic art themes with amazing virtual reality technology,” says McLaren.

Assessment Task 2: Art exhibition critique and review DUE Day 5

Find one art exhibition critique or review in a newspaper or journal ( this can be online or hardcopy). The selected exhibition must be able to be viewed online such as the websites of commercial galleries, so you can view and assess the artworks in the exhibition yourself.

• For Part A: In an essay format discuss the review of the exhibition and highlight any emotive or subjective words and phrases.
• What argument is the art critic making when describing the exhibition as a whole or individual works, what points and opinions is the critic expressing and what evidence is provided?
• Do you agree with the critics opinions? Why if you don’t why? Give reasons and examples?
• For Part B: Also from viewing the artwork online you are to review and critique the works from the exhibition using the critique guidelines handed out in class as a resource.

Assessment Criteria: A satisfactory completion of Assessment Task 2 requires:

This assessment task has two components; Section A and Section B. One art exhibition critique or review published in a newspaper or journal is found. The selected exhibition must be able to be viewed online (such as the websites of commercial galleries) so you can view the artworks from the exhibition. Word count is 1500 words, 750 words for each section (A and B).

Section A

In an essay format,

• Reference and supply a copy of the original review
• Discuss the reviews of the exhibition, its findings and highlight the key analysis and any emotive or subjective words and phrases.
• What argument is the art critic making in the review and what evidence is provided?
• Do you agree or disagree with the reviewer’s findings, discuss.

Section B

• From viewing the artwork online you are to review the works yourself, using the critique guidelines handed out in the tutorials as a resource.

Assessment Criteria: A satisfactory completion of Assessment Task 2 requires:

• Competent English grammar and spelling.
• Clearly presented with original reviews attached.
• Original ideas clearly expressed.

In order to complete parts A and B all these questions must be taken into consideration throughout the essay.