Essay assignment for semester 2

The Cadi essay assignment on Modernism will be presented at the beginning of semester 2.
The essay focuses on Modernism to explore some of the aesthetics and ideologies of the Art and Design of the time.

It is useful to begin reading and researching around the essay question while you have time.
Browse through the library to discover who the Modernists were, and what kind of Art and Design they were making.


The essay question is on AUT online. I have added this here too, for those keen students who
want to start reading and researching early.

Assignment 1 Modernist Essay (1000 words)




Discuss how ONE work of any ONE Modern visual communicator of your choice exemplifies an aesthetic or ideology of Modernism. To what extent does the work achieve the (Modernist) intentions of the visual communicator.



You should select a visual communicator relevant to your area of elective study – discuss the appropriateness of your choice with your lecturer.



This essay must be handed in with an A4 dossier containing referenced copies of all secondary material used in the writing of this essay. This dossier must have a minimum of 20 pages.

Your essay should also have a cover sheet, which you can obtain from the Art and Design office.

Your essay should be separate from the dossier. Do not use plastic folders or binders to hold your essay or dossier together. This can be done using staples.




(1000 words approximatey – not including your bibliography.)

Judy Millar at the Venice Biennale

Judy Millar and Francis Uprichard are the two artists representing new Zealand at the Venice Biennale. Research the Venice Biennale to find out more about the event. Who curated Judy Millar's exhibition? research her work on-line to find out what she says about her painting in relation to Venice, Italy and their histories.

There are some interesting videos from Venice, browse the images and videos to find more interesting work.


Find some interesting works form the Biennale to add to your blog.

Cadiblog 2009- week 7: Science & Progress

Enlightenment thought included the concepts of Science, Reason and Progress. Although the Enlightenment occurred over 300 years ago, these concepts are still part of our contemporary world view. Research the ideas behind Patricia Piccinini's work 'Hello Possums' and other latex and hair works depicting 'unreal' creatures.

Comment on the ideas behind these works. Explain how they relate to the Enlightenment concepts of Science, Reason and Progress?

The artist communicates the ideas in the way that makes a distinct impression on us, so how do these works make you feel? Explain your response to the work.

'Hello Possums' Patricia Puccinini

Cadiblog-week 5 discussion

Chinese artist and designer Ai Weiwei worked with a group of architects to design the 'Bird's Nest' stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Research the artist and the work to find out why he later called the work a 'fake smile'. Explain how his personal philosophies are different from and at odds with, that of the Chinese government.

Humanist Art-week 3 assignment

Lynette Wallworth's 'Evolution of Fearlessness' (2006) is an interactive video work that has been shown in a number of international art shows. Research the work to understand the ideas behind it, and how the viewer interacts with it. Comment on how this work relates to concepts of Humanism which emerged during the Renaissance.

Week 2 Blog discussion

Research Damian Hirst's work, which is a Diamond Encrusted Skull.Discuss what this work is about, especially in relation to Mercantillism.In your opinion does it communicate these ideas effectively? After reading about this work, what is your opinion of it as a work of art?