Conducting Artist Research

Many students constantly question why they have to do an artist research for their journal, even worse “why does it have to be a Caribbean artist?”. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

(Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate) CSEC is a CARIBBEAN exam. Naturally, the focus of the exam would be the Caribbean region. As a matter of fact, the Caribbean Examination Council states

“The Caribbean Secondary Certificate CSEC syllabusin the Visual Arts will help to promote and encourage tolerance and diversity among students of different ethnic backgrounds, cultures and point of view in the region“

-Caribbean Examination Council website

There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from our own artists here in the Caribbean. Sure, international artists have interesting works of art and so do Caribbean artists. To some extent we could argue that Caribbean artists have works of art that are more relateable because we have similar experiences to them.
You are learning more about yourself and your region. There is quite a bit that has happened/ happening in the Caribbean. Trust us, you’ll learn something you didn’t know before.

So with these in mind, the artist research component of your reflective journal is very important because you will be “learning from” the artist you select. Looking at another artist provides you with information on their past successes and failures where their art is concerned. It gives you an idea as to how to solve problems you might have to address and lastly, it provides you with the opportunity to try out the style, techniques and materials the artist used.

Steps to Conducting Artist Research

View the Artists’ work- This will help you to decide if you like the works of art and if you are able to find a common link between the artist and yourself. Requirements of the CSEC examination are that you select up to six images of the artist’s work to critique (check out our post on Critiquing a work of art). Do a check of the artist’s catalog or website to view works of art. Be sure to select an artist that is known and has a body/collection of art work.

Market day by Lennox Coke. Image courtesy of Jamaica Gleaner.com

Collect information on the artist- It’s a good idea to check your local library or art gallery for prints/images of the artist’s work and not to rely solely on the internet. It is a well known fact, that not all sources on the internet are trustworthy. Be sure to run your findings by your art teacher.

Prepare for an Interview- If the artist is living and accessible, it would be a good idea to request an interview. What better source of information than from the artist himself. Jot down questions you may want to ask him or her regarding their work of art (check our post on Interview questions for Artist).

Ask your teacher to assist you with contacting the artist for interview or you may reach out to the artist with the guidance of an adult via their website.

Note- Plagiarism is a punishable crime and can very well cause your disqualification from the exams. It is wise not to copy and paste the biography of the artist from the internet. Rewrite the important points that are relevant to your work and rephrase as much as possible. Be sure to take note of where you got the information and give credit in your bibliography.

Artist Lennox Coke at work. Image courtesy of Tallawahmagazine.com

Observe the artist’s visual style- Take time to observe the visual elements of artist’s work. What do you like about it? Is the theme they explore similar to yours? What aspect of their style could you use in your own work? Is it their use of colour, line, shape etc?

Take a look at these Artist analyses done by students; these will give you a good idea of how to go about your own research. Please do not copy these but use them to inspire your own work.