VISUAL ARTS
GRADE 12 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
NOVEMBER 2016

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 
In this examination you must demonstrate the following skills: 

• The use of the correct art terminology 
• The use and implementation of visual analysis and critical thinking 
• Writing and research skills within a historical and cultural context
• The placing of specific examples into a cultural, social, political and historical  context 
• An understanding of distinctive creative styles 

Read the following instructions before deciding which questions to answer. 

1. This question paper consists of EIGHT questions.
2. Answer any FIVE questions for a total of 100 marks. 
3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this  question paper.
4. Questions appear on the left-hand pages, with visual sources on the  right-hand pages. 
5. Ensure that you refer to the visual sources reproduced in colour where  required.
6. Information discussed in one answer will NOT be credited if repeated in other  answers. Cross-referencing of artworks is permissible.
7. Name the artist(s) and title of each artwork you discuss in your answers.  Underline the title of an artwork or the name of a building.
8. Write in a clear, creative and structured manner, using full sentences and  paragraphs according to the instructions of each question. The listing of  facts/tables is NOT acceptable.
9. Use the following guidelines for the length of your answers. Note the mark  allocation.
   • 6–8 marks: a minimum of ½–¾ page (paragraph)
   • 10–14 marks: a minimum of 1–1½ page(s) (short essay)
   • 20 marks: a minimum of 2 pages (essay)
10. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTIONS

ANSWER ANY FIVE QUESTIONS.
QUESTION 1: THE VOICE OF EMERGING ARTISTS 

1.1 Compare the artworks in FIGURE 1a and FIGURE 1b considering the  following: 

• Colour and line 
• Balance 
• Composition 
• Style 
• Possible messages/meanings (8) 

1.2 Interpret the work of any TWO artists you have studied, who comment on  their surroundings. 

Include the following in your answer: 

• Social/Cultural influences 
• Media and technique 
• Style 
• Possible messages/meanings (12) [20]

QUESTION 2: SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS INFLUENCED BY AFRICAN AND/OR  INDIGENOUS ART FORMS 

2.1 Interpret the artwork depicted in FIGURE 2 by referring to the following: 

• Line and colour 
• Style and technique 
• The artist divides his composition into three distinct parts. Describe and  discuss the use of imagery in EACH of the three parts and their possible  messages/meanings. (8) 

2.2 Discuss ONE artwork by any TWO artists whose work expresses their African  identity due to the influences of indigenous African art forms. 
Use the following guidelines: 

• The influences of indigenous African art forms and symbols 
• Style and technique 
• Possible messages/meanings (12) [20]

QUESTION 3: SOCIOPOLITICAL ART, INCLUDING RESISTANCE ART OF THE  1970s AND 1980s 

3.1 

• How do you react to the title of this work (FIGURE 3)? Substantiate. 
• Discuss THREE of the issues addressed in this work by referring to the  following:
  • Choice of image(s)
  • Colour 
  • Composition (10) 

3.2 Compare how any TWO artists have expressed past/current sociopolitical  issues in their work. (10) [20]

QUESTION 4: ART, CRAFT AND SPIRITUAL WORKS MAINLY FROM RURAL  SOUTH AFRICA 

4.1 Compare FIGURE 4a with FIGURE 4b by referring to the following guidelines: 

• Placement of the figures 
• Colour and shape  
• Depth and movement  
• Materials/Techniques (8) 

4.2 Discuss ONE artwork from TWO different South African artists and/or craft  artists.  
Use the following as a guideline: 

Related Items

• Formal art elements 
• Media and technique 
• Subject matter and use of imagery  
• Possible messages/meanings (12) [20]

QUESTION 5: MULTIMEDIA AND NEW MEDIA – ALTERNATIVE  CONTEMPORARY AND POPULAR ART FORMS IN SOUTH  AFRICA 

5.1 With reference to the text above and the visual sources in FIGURE 5a and  FIGURE 5b, describe how the artist communicates her message. 
You must refer to the following:  

• Significance of the colours 
• Significance of the size/scale  
• Use of materials and the contrasts between them 
• Symbolic meaning of the wool/strings/yarn, boats and keys 
• What is your understanding of the title of the work? Substantiate your  answer. (10)

5.2 Interpret ONE artwork by a South African artist who uses alternative media in  search of ways of communicating his/her ideas. (10) [20] 

QUESTION 6: POST-1994 DEMOCRATIC IDENTITY IN SOUTH AFRICA 

6.1 Discuss how the artists have expressed a contemporary, urban South African  identity using both FIGURE 6a and FIGURE 6b. 
Refer to the following guidelines: 

• Influences 
• Colour 
• Style and technique 
• Possible meanings/interpretations 
• In your opinion, which artwork portrays the strongest expression of urban  identity? Substantiate your answer. (10) 

6.2 Elaborate on the concept of urban identity by discussing TWO artworks. You must refer to the following: 

• Formal art elements 
• Composition 
• Media and technique 
• Style 
• Possible messages/meanings (10) [20]

QUESTION 7: GENDER ISSUES: MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY 

7.1 Write a short essay about Kara Walker's work A Subtlety, or the Marvelous  Sugar Baby, in which you refer to the following: 

• Why do you think the artist portrayed the figure as the Sphinx? Give  reasons for your answer. 
• The scale of the sculpture 
• The use of sugar and molasses as a medium 
• In which way do the words 'Sugar' and 'Baby' contribute to the meaning  of the work? (8) 

7.2 Refer to any TWO artists and their works you have studied, and write an  essay in which you comment on their portrayal of masculinity and/or  femininity. 

You may use the following guidelines in your answer: 

• Subject matter  
• Media and technique 
• Style  
• Messages/Meanings (12) [20]

QUESTION 8: ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA 

8.1 Refer to the statement above and analyse the example in FIGURE 8 by  referring to the following guidelines: 

• Why would the architect use corn stalks and living root structures in the  design of his bricks? 
• Why do you think the bricks are not packed together tightly? 
• Why has the architect decided to use a reflective material at the top of the  structure? 
• Do you think the form/shape of this structure is visually/aesthetically  appealing? Substantiate your answer. (8) 

8.2 Discuss any TWO South African buildings/structures that you have studied.  You must include the following in your short essay: 

• Use of materials  
• Use of style 
• Possible influences (12) [20]

TOTAL: 100