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Theme: Art History and the Creation of a “Contemporary Image”
For this assignment you will imagine the creation of your own portrait or an image that reflects a
contemporary cause that you support. You will describe this unique image in detail and in relation to two
other art pieces selected from the textbook and/or from online source(s).**
Consider the artworks that you are familiar with and those that we have examined in class – what have
you encountered that you find interesting or inspirational? How might those artworks influence a
representation of you? Alternatively, how might those sources become useful in developing an image that
represents a social or political issue that you are passionate about?
Elements required in your discussion:
The focus of this paper should be on the image you develop as a reflection of yourself or your designated
cause; there are “no limits” imposed on your imagination.
– If you opt for the portrait, think about how you wish to be seen, appreciated, and understood by
others. Describe your appearance and demeanor, select representative attributes, and describe an
appropriate setting or activity.
– If you opt for the image symbolic of a social or political issue, think about identifying that
subject clearly and attracting the public’s attentio

n. Describe how you would visualize the issue
and how you would indicate its significance through depicted characters, actions/events, or
symbolism.
The examples used for inspiration and comparison may be selected from any early context up to the 21
st
century. You are free to focus on what appeals to you in terms of subject and media, but your discussion
will be most effective if you make specific connections between your devised image and the other two
works.
– Describe the motivations behind your selections, including how their visual and historic
qualities influenced the conception of your theoretical project.
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Please contact me if you have any questions about this assignment: [email protected]
Unlike the shorter writing exercises, this assignment requires a formal structure; please provide an
introduction and a conclusion to frame the description and analysis of your unique image.
*A paper received after 12:00 pm on November 23rd will be penalized one full letter grade that day, with
additional letter grade penalties imposed per day until it is received.
**Please provide citations of the comparative works selected from the textbook (figure or page number)
and/or from the online source(s) (website or database name/link).