MediaArtTutorials

Week 3 - Detailed artwork analysis and curatorial text drafting

P1: Embodied Archival Entry · Groups of 3 students

Objective

In this session, you will build on your individual research by sharing insights with your group, identifying thematic and conceptual connections, and drafting a collaborative analysis of your chosen artist/collective. This draft will form the foundation of your curatorial text.

By the end of this session, you will have:

Shared key takeaways from your research.
Selected three artworks/projects for in-depth reference and analysis.
Start a 500–600 word draft analysis in a shared document.

Materials Required

Individual Annotated Bibliographies from P1 - In-class Work 1
Digital or physical notebook for brainstorming
Laptop or device for writing
Shared document platform (Google Docs, Word Online, etc.)

Activities

Complete the following in order. Ask your professor for guidance if needed.

[30 minutes] Group Brainstorming

Share Insights
- Each partner spends 5–7 minutes presenting the most relevant points from their annotated bibliography and collected materials.
- Highlight:
  - Key themes, concepts, or methods found in your sources
  - Notable quotes or ideas from interviews, essays, or reviews
  - Contextual information (historical, cultural, political) that informs the work
Work on your Shared Document
- Create a section titled “Brainstorming Notes” and record bullet points from your discussion.
- Answer these guiding questions:
  - What recurring themes or concepts appear in the artist/collective’s work?
  - How does their practice engage with body, identity, and equity?
  - How do the selected works connect to the broader practice?
Select Three Artworks/Projects
- Which three artworks/projects best represent these themes?
- Confirm the titles, years, mediums, and any relevant contextual details.
- Gather the best images, videos, or documentation for reference.
- Divide the artworks, one per student for further analysis.
Plan Your Collaborative Analysis
- Agree on tone, vocabulary, and perspective for a consistent voice.
- Use the following recommended structure to outline your draft in a new section called “Analysis Structure”:
  
  ❗ The “Analysis Structure” is meant to be a concise outline, not a full draft. Limit yourself to one or two sentences per section that summarize the approach, focus, or argument you will take. The goal is to map the flow of ideas before expanding into the full analysis later.
  
  Opening (40–60 words)
  - Introduce the artist/collective and overall analysis focus.
  - Mention the three selected works in a general way.
  Body Paragraphs (aprox 120-150 words per student)
  - One paragraph per student, each analyzing one artwork.
  - Include description (medium, form, subject), thematic analysis, and APA-cited research insights.
  - Connect the work to the artist’s/collective’s wider practice.
  Closing (40–60 words)
  - Identify thematic/conceptual links between the works.
  - Conclude with a statement on their relevance or impact.

➡️ Save as PDF
📄 Filename: Group-#-P1-Notes2.pdf

Include both partners’ full names and student numbers at the top.

[20 minutes] Revisit and Refine Research

Return to your individual sources and re-read them through the shared focus set during brainstorming.

Look for information, quotes, or examples that directly connect to your agreed themes and artworks.
Identify new or missing details, such as:
- Artist/collective statements reinforcing your focus
- Critical reviews discussing your selected works
- Relevant historical, cultural, or political context
Record your findings in a new individual document under “Refined Research Notes”.

[40 minutes] Draft Analysis

Each student writes 120-150 words for their assigned artwork.

Include:
- Work description (medium, form, subject)
- Analysis of engagement with body, identity, and equity
- Insights from your sources, cited in APA style
- Connection to the broader practice
Add your writing to your individual document under “Draft Analysis”.

➡️ Save as PDF
📄 Filename: Lastname-Firstname-DraftAnalysis.pdf

Include your full name and student number at the top.

Before the Next Class

Draft Opening and Closing sections.
- Divide the work so you all draft these sections.
- Bring your drafts to the next class for peer review and integration into your full analysis.

📤 Submission

Type	File Name	Who Submits
Group Brainstorming Notes	`Group-#-P1-Notes2.pdf`	One per group
Individual Draft Analysis (120/150 words)	`Lastname-Firstname-DraftAnalysis.pdf`	Each student

⚠️ Follow the submission protocols carefully. Incorrect submissions may result in lost points.