Assignment: History of Asian Art
Museum Response Paper 1 & 2
Museum & Exhibit Information
Asian Art Museum
Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. $10 with student ID or Free First Sundays (every month)
Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive.
Sun, Wed, Thurs 11am-7pm / Fri, Sat 11am-9pm. $10 with student ID or Free First Thursdays (every month)
Note: 1st visit must be to Asian Art Museum. 2nd visit can be Berkeley Art Museum or Asian Art Museum.
PAPER 1
Subject: South or Southeast Asian Art
Museum: Asian Art Museum
PAPER 2
Subject: Chinese, Korean, or Japanese Art
Museum: Asian Art Museum or Berkeley Art Museum
Paper Instructions
In this visual analysis and response paper, please first get to know the image. Study its iconography, visual form, and expressive form thoroughly. Second, research the background of the image, historical details, and physical history. Third, engage critically with opinions you come across about the image, and combine your visual analysis with research to form your own opinion.
First: Select the image for study from one of the exhibits above. Take aselfie with the image (or if photography is now allowed in a specific exhibit, provide proof of visit with ticket and date of purchase). Take note and study the statue or painting's materials, iconography, figural form, drapery, ornament, etc. Your paper should incorporate a concise yet evocative description of the piece in which you note, for instance, how the figure is carved (materials, sculptural technique, etc), how the sculptor rendered posture and proportion, how drapery is described, the presence of naturalism or schematized pattern, etc. Compare features of this image to others discussed in class or covered in reading.
Second: Read and take notes on scholarly texts. Consider the texts and reflect upon their descriptions and interpretations. What do they say, what do they not say? Minimum 3 reputable sources required. JSTOR through the library is an excellent source for peer-reviewed articles. Do not use Wikipedia or unreliable websites.
Third: Bring together your visual analysis and research to develop your own statement about the piece - your interpretation in the form of a clear thesis statement. Add to the scholarly conversation with your own observations, and points you decide are important to discuss about this particular icon or painting.
Format
Length: 3-4 pages (double space, 12 point)
Illustrations: Include image of the piece at the end of your paper (NOT in the body of your paper).
Citations: Provide precise and correct ENDNOTE (not footnote) citations for all ideas, paraphrased language, or direct quotes from research. You should employ the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) citation style.