GCE ‘A’ Levels 2008

1. Are photographic and digital processes more important to contemporary society

than traditional forms of painting and sculpture? Discuss this in relation to named
artists and their work.

2. Some artists such as Van Gogh failed to attract patronage in their working life. In
the light of this fact does art need an audience or can it exist without one?

3. ‘Art galleries have no purpose in the modern world and art should be out in the
environment amongst the people.” Discuss.

4. Discuss similarities and differences in the representation and rendering of form

and space between Eastern and Western Art.

GCE ‘A’ Levels 2007

1. How have new materials and processes changed the way artists work and does
their use replace traditional painting and sculpture? Discuss this in relation to
named artists and their work.

2. How are environmental issues addressed by two contemporary artists using

different media?

3. Is abstract art still a relevant form of expression in painting or sculpture or was it

just a passing phase in the twentieth century which had no purpose? Discuss this
in relation to named works and artists.

4. ‘Some modern art galleries and concert halls are so sculptural in form that they
are possibly more important and interesting than the art they present.’ Discuss.

Specimen Paper

1. Some critics say painting is dead as there are now many other ways to make art.
Discuss this issue relating your answer to named artists and their work.

2. To what extent have the rapid changes in culture and patronage in the late
twentieth century altered the way contemporary artists work?

3. Picasso stated ‘Art is a lie that tells the truth.’ Do you agree?

4. Does public art displayed in the community have a different purpose and role
than art displayed in a museum or art gallery? Discuss.
Additional Questions

1. The development of modern art is sometimes seen as an aesthetic withdrawal

from illusion. Discuss this in relation to named artists and their work.

2. Some critics have suggested that the adoption of Western styles in the east has
irreparably weakened cultural traditions. To what extent do you agree with this?

3. ‘Mass culture transforms the status of art.’ Discuss.

4. Traditional ideas about time and space have been constantly modified and
refined with rapid changes in society. How does this alter the way contemporary
artists work and the role of the museum or art gallery?

Additional Questions

1. Some critics say painting is dead as there are now many other ways to make art.
Discuss this issue relating your answer to named artists and their work.

2. To what extent have changes in culture and patronage in the late twentieth
century influenced contemporary art?

3. How are museums still relevant in the internet age?

4. He who has learned the art of representing any natural object faithfully, has as
yet only learned the language by which his thoughts are to be expressed, for
painting is nothing but a noble and expressive language, invaluable as the
vehicle of thought, but by itself nothing.

John Ruskin, 19th century critic

Do you agree with the above statement? Discuss using relevant examples of
work.