Coursework this year

Some thoughts on the Art coursework we had submitted...

Fashion Design

Of the various types of design based coursework available, fashion design is one of those which seems to be more difficult to grasp. A large part can be attributed to the designs' needs to be associated directly to the human form. In pursuit of greater flexibility for artistic expression, we have chosen to capitalize on the exploration of haute couture, the so called high fashion by the fashion houses which exists primarily on runways.

We did well in the areas of formal and conceptual development, forms evolve sequentially and the intent of the expression stayed true. Artist influence is strong in this coursework as the candidate has an abundance of research materials to dive into, both in the printed form and on the internet.

The weakness in this coursework lies in the disproportionately long amount of time spent in the beginning stages of the work where a piece of garment is derived from primary observations. The visual association required here is demanding as ideas need to be communicated effectively with total relevance to the theme. The development from a studied object to a piece of clothing can appear abstract and is often not the most natural of relations.

Graphic Design

This is the first time we attempt this coursework genre and there is strong personal response from the candidate. He is able to associate his life experience into the formulation of the design pieces and has a good understanding of examination requirements. Development of ideas is fluid, relevant and creative. The resultant designs also have high relevance to contemporary culture. Many visual manipulations are done on the computer and are executed purposefully, tapping the strength of the software.

Shortcomings in this genre lies in the finishing of the designs. Quoting from the famous Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, "God is in the details". This is one aspect which needs improvement. Overall touching up quality should be better, especially in the distinction of line work and tonal values.

Illustration

This is also the first time we had attempted illustration. The choice of this genre is more reactionary as compared to the above two. Candidate initially shows poor painting and drawing skills but spends a lot of time doodling on Manga characters. Capitalising on the candidate's interest, illustration was chosen to showcase his best strength and make his weak painting skills rather irrelevant.

A lot of time was spent training him in the effective use of marker pens and the necessary cross-hatching skills to create a convincing tonal range. The success of this coursework lies in its conceptual subject matter which is strong in personal response. There is creative use of imagery which resulted from close observation of authentic primary sources.

Weakness in overall quality is apparent in the candidate's final work, whose tonal quality is not on par with some of the stronger sketches he had demonstrated in his preparatory work. Speed is very much lacking to properly finish up and to sustain a high level of quality work.