AP 2-D Art and Design

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Unit 1: Sustained Investigation

7 topics to cover in this unit

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Unit Outline

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.

Investigate (understanding the scope and requirements of an investigation)Present (understanding how the SI is evaluated)

Common Misconceptions

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.

Investigate (identifying and researching an artistic problem or question)

Common Misconceptions

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.

Investigate (researching and analyzing sources to inform the investigation)

Common Misconceptions

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.

Make (generating and developing ideas through practice and experimentation)Make (demonstrating skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas)

Common Misconceptions

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.

Make (applying elements and principles of design to communicate ideas)

Common Misconceptions

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.

Investigate (generating and developing ideas through revision)Make (developing technical and conceptual skills through revision)

Common Misconceptions

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.

Investigate (documenting the investigation process)Present (presenting ideas and works in a clear and compelling way)

Common Misconceptions

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

Sustained InvestigationPortfolioInquiryArtistic ProcessVisual EvidenceGuiding QuestionArtistic ProblemThemeConceptBrainstormingVisual ResearchConceptual ResearchContextualizationInfluenceSources of InspirationMediumTechniqueProcessExperimentationIterationElements of ArtPrinciples of DesignCompositionVisual CommunicationFormal QualitiesCritiqueRevisionRefinementReflectionSelf-assessmentAnnotationArtist StatementWritten CommentaryProcess Documentation

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.

Unit 2: Selected Works