MYP 5 Unit Example

MYP 5 Task 1 Contemporary Portraiture

Section of Student Journal as part of investigation task

Central Idea: Portraiture is an art form that allows for personal and cultural exploration. It is an effective medium to represent identity, history, culture and experiences.

In this unit, students will focus on Criterion A by investigating the different styles, techniques, and cultural significance of portraiture. They will examine a variety of contemporary artists, understanding how their works communicate themes of identity. This research will serve as a foundation for their own self-exploration and creative expression in later stages of the unit.

Criterion A: Investigating i. investigate a movement(s) or genre(s) in their chosen arts discipline, related to the statement of
inquiry
ii. analyse an artwork or performance from the chosen movement(s) or genre(s). (IB MYP Art Guide 2022, p. 43)

Assessment Task for Criterion A:

Research Presentation:
Students will compile their research into a presentation or a report that addresses the following key points: This task will be assessed based on how well students conduct their research, their ability to synthesise and analyse information, and their understanding of how portraiture can be used to represent identity.
- Key artists and movements in portraiture.
- Different styles and techniques used in portraiture and how they convey identity.
- The cultural and historical significance of portraiture.
- How these concepts can inform their own artistic process in representing identity.

Inquiry: Contemporary portraits can show a person’s identity in many ways, reflecting their identity.

Example Task Outline

Task 1

Dear Students,

Please use your Visual Journal to express ideas on what you have found out about the following artists online.

You may include other artists, but they must be related to the Statement of Inquiry. You must include images, drawings, and text about the artist and reflect on your findings and media exploration. All Artists should be contemporary portrait artists who work in a modern style. You should include at least six pages. Please be careful not to plagiarise and look at the sources of your images. You will present your work to the class to promote class discussion. A possible list of Artists that students can explore in their visual art journal

( see example links for investigation at the bottom of the page)

Rubric Example

MYP CRITERIA	Specifications	0	1-2	3-4	5-6	7-8
Ai. investigate a movement(s) or genre(s) in their chosen arts discipline related to the statement of inquiry	Investigate the art movement and gather information that will better help understand context and expression.	The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.	The student provides limited information that is not always related to the statement of inquiry.	The student provides mostly relevant information that is related to the statement of inquiry.	The student provides relevant information that is related to the statement of inquiry.	The student provides comprehensive, relevant information that is related to the statement of inquiry.
Aii. critique an artwork or performance from the chosen movement(s) or genre(s).	Critique an artwork and include elements, techniques and context	The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.	The student outlines the features of artwork, including two elements, techniques and context.	The student describes the features of an artwork, including two elements: techniques and context.	The student analyses the features of an artwork, including elements, techniques and context.	The student critiques an artwork, including elements, techniques and context.

Further Ideas on Criterion A

Students will research the history, styles, and significance of portraiture as a means of representing identity. Students will continue to refer back to the inquiry.

Researching Artists and Styles:
Students will investigate artists known for exploring identity through portraiture, including Kerry James Marshall, Cindy Sherman, and Kehinde Wiley. They will analyse how these artists use visual elements—such as colour, form, symbolism, and composition—to communicate ideas about identity, culture, and personal experience.
Context:
Students will consider the context behind an artist’s work, including the social, cultural, and historical circumstances that may influence their choices. Understanding the broader context helps students see why artists express ideas in particular ways.
Exploring Portraiture Techniques and Meaning:
Students will explore a variety of artistic techniques and media used in portraiture, including painting, drawing, photography, and digital art. They will learn how different media can change the way identity is represented. For contemporary portraiture, students can use the resource Contemporary Elements of Art to deepen their understanding.
Cultural Context:
Students will examine how portraiture reflects cultural and historical contexts. For example, Renaissance royal portraits often conveyed power and status, while modern portraiture can challenge traditional ideas of identity and gender.
Visual Analysis:
Students will practise analysing how artists communicate ideas. They will consider the “big idea” behind a work—what the artist is expressing and how it is conveyed through visual choices.
Reflecting on the process of inquiry and what is asked of the student in the task. This could also include Learner Profile or ATL focus if assigned.

Students can also use Feldman's technique or elements of art and design to understand an artwork and express critical ideas. Further link on this here

Personal Response
Students should consider ideas of how they would express their own identity, and what they might think of the artists that they have investigated- this will be developed in criterion B, where students continue to think about and practice making ideas on expressing identity.