Organisation : Department of Basic Education
Exam : National Senior Certificate Examinations
Document Type : NSC Sample Question Paper
Subject : Visual Arts
Category : Grade 12
Year : 2017
Website : https://www.education.gov.za/2017FebMarchNSCExamPapers.aspx
Download Sample Question Paper :
Paper 1 : https://www.southafricain.com/uploads/10958-ArtsP1.pdf
Memo 1 : https://www.southafricain.com/uploads/10958-Memo.pdf
Education NSC Examination Visual Arts Question Paper
MARKS: 100
TIME: 3 hours
** This question paper consists of 19 pages.
** This question paper must be printed in full colour.
Instructions & Information
In this examination you must demonstrate the following skills:
** The use of the correct art terminology
** The use and implementation of visual analysis and critical thinking
** Writing and research skills within a historical and cultural context
** The placing of specific examples into a cultural, social, political and historical context
** An understanding of distinctive creative styles
Read the following instructions before deciding which questions to answer.
1. This question paper consists of EIGHT questions.
2. Answer any FIVE questions for a total of 100 marks.
3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper.
4. Questions appear on the left-hand pages, with visual sources on the right-hand pages.
5. Ensure that you refer to the visual sources reproduced in colour where required.
6. Information discussed in one answer will NOT be credited if repeated in other answers. Cross-referencing of artworks is permissible.
7. Name the artist(s) and title of each artwork you discuss in your answers. Underline the title of an artwork or the name of a building.
8. Write in a clear, creative and structured manner, using full sentences and paragraphs according to the instructions of each question. The listing of facts/tables is NOT acceptable.
9. Use the following guidelines for the length of your answers. Note the mark allocation.
6–8 marks: a minimum of ½–¾ page (paragraph)
10–14 marks: a minimum of 1–1½ page(s) (short essay)
20 marks: a minimum of 2 pages (essay)
10. Write neatly and legibly.
Sample Questions
Answer Any Five Questions.
Question 1: The Voice Of Emerging Artists
1.1 Compare how the artists in FIGURE 1a and FIGURE 1b have managed to capture this moment. You must refer to the following:
Formal elements
Composition
Perspective/Sense of space
Rhythm and movement
Mood/Atmosphere (8)
1.2 Write an essay on TWO artworks by different South African artists that documented everyday life. Your essay should include the following:
Subject matter
Formal elements
Composition
Media and technique
Style
QUESTION 2: SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS INFLUENCED BY AFRICAN AND/OR INDIGENOUS ART FORMS
2.1 Discuss the use of distortion, simplification and exaggeration in FIGURE 2a and FIGURE 2b by referring to the formal elements and principles of art. Give reasons for the ways/manner in which the artists were influenced by Africa. (8)
2.2 Analyse ONE artwork by any TWO artists whose works show an African influence.
You must refer to the following:
Where in the artwork is the influence visible?
Use of colour
Compositional elements
Use of techniques and materials
QUESTION 3:
SOCIO-POLITICAL ART, INCLUDING RESISTANCE ART OF THE 1970s AND 1980s
3.1 With reference to the text above, write a short essay in which you discuss the artwork in FIGURE 3.
You must include the following in your essay:
The relevance/significance of a vacuum cleaner, car doors, maps and gun
Symbolism of using everyday/recycled objects
What message does this work have for society in general? Why do you think the elephant might be a metaphor for society? (8)
3.2 Write an essay in which you discuss the work of any TWO artists whose works show an awareness of socio-political issues.
You must refer to the following in your answer:
Images used
Media and technique
Messages/Meanings
QUESTION 4:
ART, CRAFT AND SPIRITUAL WORKS MAINLY FROM RURAL SOUTH AFRICA
4.1 Discuss how the two artists interpreted the crucifixion in FIGURE 4a and FIGURE 4b.
You must answer the following:
How do the functions of FIGURE 4a and FIGURE 4b differ? Give a reason for your answer.
Why would you describe FIGURE 4a as a naïve artwork?
Explain why FIGURE 4b is an expressionistic artwork.
Elimo Njau from Tanzania says: ‘Art makes Christianity African.’ Do you think that these artists were successful in making Christianity African? Give reasons for your answer. (10)
4.2 Interpret ONE artwork by any TWO South African artists who use craft and/or deal with spirituality in their work.
You may use the following guidelines in your essay:
Subject matter
Formal elements
Use of media and technique
Possible messages/meanings
QUESTION 5:
MULTIMEDIA AND NEW MEDIA – ALTERNATIVE CONTEMPORARY AND POPULAR ART FORMS IN SOUTH AFRICA
5.1 Michael Heizer takes his work out of the gallery space into the desert environment while Olafur Eliasson brings the land into the gallery.
Discuss possible messages/meanings of these works by referring to the following:
Titles
Space/Site
Medium and technique
Interaction/Involvement/Engagement with the viewer and the space
Size/Scale of the work
Viewer engagement with the artwork
Documentation of the artwork (10)
5.2 Discuss any TWO artworks by contemporary artists which you have studied, where the artists used alternative and unusual media. (10)