AP 2-D Art and Design
Unit 1: Sustained Investigation
7 topics to cover in this unit
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Understanding the Sustained Investigation
An overview of the Sustained Investigation (SI) component of the AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio, its purpose, and the College Board's requirements. This topic introduces the idea of art as a process of inquiry and exploration.
- Thinking the SI is just a collection of unrelated artworks
- Ignoring the 'sustained' aspect of the investigation
- Underestimating the importance of the written commentary and visual evidence of process
Developing a Guiding Question or Idea
Focuses on how to identify and refine a meaningful artistic problem, question, or theme to serve as the foundation for the Sustained Investigation. This involves brainstorming, research, and self-reflection to find a compelling focus.
- Choosing a topic that is too broad or too narrow to sustain an investigation
- Selecting a topic without genuine personal interest or connection
- Not having a clear 'why' behind the artistic exploration
Research and Visual Inquiry
Explores methods for conducting visual and conceptual research to inform and enrich the sustained investigation. This includes looking at art history, contemporary artists, cultural contexts, and other sources of inspiration.
- Copying existing artworks or styles instead of transforming them
- Failing to connect their work to broader artistic or cultural contexts
- Limiting research only to personal experiences, neglecting external sources
Material and Process Experimentation
Delves into the importance of experimenting with various media, techniques, and processes to discover the most effective ways to express ideas within the investigation. Emphasizes risk-taking and pushing creative boundaries.
- Sticking to familiar materials or techniques without exploring new possibilities
- Not documenting failed experiments or showing the 'messy' part of the process
- Confusing lack of skill with 'experimentation' rather than purposeful exploration
Visual Language and Compositional Choices
Focuses on the deliberate application of the elements of art and principles of design to communicate ideas effectively within the sustained investigation. Students learn how formal choices impact meaning and viewer perception.
- Using elements and principles randomly without conceptual intent
- Not understanding how changes in composition or color can drastically alter meaning
- Neglecting the overall cohesiveness of the visual language across multiple works
Revision and Refinement
Highlights the iterative nature of the artistic process, emphasizing critical self-assessment, peer critique, and the continuous revision and refinement of artworks and ideas throughout the sustained investigation.
- Thinking the first attempt is the 'best' or 'final' version
- Being afraid to alter or 'ruin' a piece during revision
- Not seeking or effectively applying feedback from others
Documenting the Sustained Investigation
Covers the critical skill of visually and textually documenting the entire sustained investigation process, including evidence of practice, experimentation, revision, and the artist's reflections on their journey.
- Only submitting 'finished' pieces without showing developmental work
- Providing generic or superficial written commentary
- Failing to clearly connect visual evidence to the guiding question and artistic choices
Key Terms
Key Concepts
- Art as a continuous process of inquiry and discovery
- Demonstrating growth and development over time
- The interconnectedness of visual and verbal communication in art
- Formulating a clear and focused artistic inquiry
- Connecting personal interests to broader artistic ideas
- The role of intention in artistic creation
- Building upon existing visual and conceptual knowledge
- Informed artistic decision-making
- Transforming influences rather than merely replicating them
- The expressive potential of materials and processes
- Problem-solving through artistic practice
- Developing technical proficiency through exploration
- The intentional use of visual language to convey meaning
- How formal choices reinforce conceptual ideas
- Creating visual unity and impact
- Growth through constructive feedback and critical analysis
- The development of ideas over time through successive revisions
- Artistic resilience and problem-solving
- Transparency of the artistic journey
- Connecting visual and verbal explanations of artistic choices
- Demonstrating growth and intentionality through documentation
Cross-Unit Connections
- The Sustained Investigation is the core of the AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio, thus its principles and practices are fundamental to all aspects of the course. The skills developed here directly inform the creation and selection of 'Selected Works'.
- The iterative process of investigation, making, and presenting is not confined to a single unit but is a continuous cycle throughout all artistic endeavors, whether in the AP course or beyond.
- Understanding and applying the elements of art and principles of design (covered in topics 5) is crucial for both the Sustained Investigation and for demonstrating skillful execution in the 'Selected Works' section.
- The ability to articulate artistic intentions and reflect on one's process (topics 1, 2, 7) is a transferable skill that supports all aspects of the portfolio submission and future artistic practice.