For

Senior Years Students

Curriculum

VCE Art

Aim

To analyse how materials and techniques are used to create meaning in a contemporary artwork.

Preparation

To do this activity you will need:

• Read the information for Theme Nine – Contemporary Art: Between Public and Private.
• View the work either online or in the exhibition.
• clipboard, notepad and pencil, or other means of making notes while in the Gallery.

Individual Task

While viewing Marina Abramavic's Cleaning the Mirror #1 1995:

• Carefully, list all the objects and actions that Abramovic uses to make this piece. Describe what Abramovic is doing in the five television screens.
• Do these objects and actions help you to understand what Abramovic is trying to communicate? Explain your answer.
• What do you think is the most important element of the piece – the artist, the action of cleaning or the skeleton? Why?
• The work is entitled Cleaning the Mirror #1. What exactly does this work mirror?
• Do you think cleaning and skeletons are potent symbols? Why? What do you think the skeleton symbolises in this work?
• How does Abramovic use repetition and movement in Cleaning the Mirror #1 1995? Describe aspects of the work.

Discussion Questions

Discuss your observations with others and elaborate on your own answers.