The IB Visual Arts course

The Visual Arts are an integral part of everyday life, permeating all levels of human creativity, expressions, communication, and understanding. They range from traditional forms embedded in local and wider communities, societies and cultures, to the varied and divergent practices associated with new , and emerging and contemporary forms of visual language.  They may have socio political  impact as well as ritual, spiritual, decorative and functional value; they can be persuasive and subversive in some instances, enlightening and uplifting in others.  We celebrate the visual arts not only in the way we create images and objects, but also in the way that we appreciate, enjoy, respect, and respond to practices of art-making by others from around the world.  Theories and practice in visual arts are dynamic and ever-changing, and connect many areas of knowledge and human experience through individual and collaborative exploration, creative production, and critical interpretation. 

The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries.  It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers.  In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with, and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.  The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those seeking lifelong enrichment of the arts.

Key features of the curriculum and assessment models

The students will need to complete three assessments to complete this course:

• Comparative Study
• Process Portfolio
• Exhibition

Comparative Study – 20% (External)

This is the research component of IB Art.  It is not an essay though.  The student will complete a thorough study of multiple artworks. While conducting research the student will write, add images, and even draw to illustrate ideas.  The information that will be contained in your slides can be created on the computer or drawn in your sketchbook first and then added to your slideshow.  You will be expected to analyze formal qualities, interpret function and purpose, evaluate cultural significance, make comparisons and connections, and use subject specific language.  Information contained on slides can be typed or neatly printed.  You must cite everything.  This assessment will be created using google slides.

Requirements: (HL)

• 10-15 screens +3-5 screens that show the relationship of your work to that of the artists you have chosen for the study.
• Compare at least three artworks, two of which must be done by different artists and also contrasting context.
• Bibliography at the end (citations throughout)

 Process Portfolio – 40% (Internal)

Students will submit 13-25 screens in a google slide presentation that gives evidence of their experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art-making activities.  The submitted work should address at least THREE art-making forms, from at least TWO columns of the IB art-making forms table.

Requirements: (HL)

• 13-25 screens
• At least THREE art-making forms, from at least TWO column of the IB art-making forms table
• Add commentary

Exhibition –  40% (Internal)

The exhibition will contain your best works.  These should display technical competence, conceptual qualities, and a cohesive theme.  Your curatorial rationale will explain how it ties together.

Requirements (HL)

• 8-11 artworks from your exhibition
• Written curatorial rationale (700 words max)
• Exhibition text for each piece which states: title, medium, and a brief explanation of each piece (500 characters max)
• TWO exhibition overview photos