#AP Art History: Night Before Review 🚀

Hey there, future art historian! Feeling the pressure? Don't worry, we've got this. This guide is designed to be your best friend tonight, hitting all the key points you need to feel confident for tomorrow. Let's make this exam feel less like a monster and more like a fun challenge.

#1. Global Contemporary (1980-Present)

This unit is HUGE, so let's dive in. We'll cover key themes, artists, and artworks that often pop up on the exam. Remember to think about how these pieces reflect contemporary issues and global dialogues.

#1.1. Memorials and Public Art

#Vietnam Veterans Memorial [Jump to Section]

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Artist: Maya Lin
Date: 1982
Location: Washington, D.C.
Key Features:
- Long, black granite wall
- Names of fallen soldiers inscribed
- Minimalist design
Significance:
- Represents loss and sacrifice
- Symbol of national healing
- Shift in public perception of the war

Key Concept

Reflects a move towards more personal and reflective memorials

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

Which of the following best describes the design approach of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial? a) Ornate and celebratory b) Minimalist and reflective c) Figurative and heroic d) Abstract and symbolic
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is primarily intended to: a) Glorify the war effort b) Commemorate the soldiers who died in the war c) Celebrate the end of the war d) Critique the government's policies

Free Response Question: Discuss how the Vietnam Veterans Memorial challenges traditional notions of war memorials and explain how its design contributes to its emotional impact. (4 points)

Scoring Breakdown:

1 point: Identification of at least one way the memorial challenges traditional war memorial design (e.g., lack of heroic figures, focus on individual loss).
1 point: Explanation of how the minimalist design contributes to its emotional impact (e.g., encourages reflection, personal connection).
1 point: Discussion of the use of names to create a personal and intimate experience for viewers.
1 point: Explanation of how the reflective surface of the granite encourages viewers to see themselves as part of the memorial.

#1.2. Contemporary Painting and Abstraction

#Summer Trees [Jump to Section]

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Artist: Song Su-Nam
Date: 1979
Medium: Ink on paper
Key Features:
- Abstract composition
- Organic and geometric shapes
- Flowing lines and bold brushstrokes
- Vivid colors
Significance:
- Representative of Korean abstract expressionism
- Evokes feelings of energy and vitality

Key Concept

Demonstrates the influence of both traditional Asian art and Western abstraction

#1.3. Language and Meaning in Art

#A Book from the Sky [Jump to Section]

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Artist: Xu Bing
Date: 1987-91
Medium: Hand-printed books and scrolls
Key Features:
- Invented Chinese characters
- Traditional appearance, but meaningless
- Large-scale installation
Significance:
- Questions the role of language in communication
- Challenges traditional notions of writing
- Commentary on cultural and political power of language

Memory Aid

Think of it as a beautiful, but ultimately empty, book. It looks like it should mean something, but it doesn't – just like some political rhetoric.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

Xu Bing's A Book from the Sky is best described as: a) A traditional Chinese calligraphy work b) An installation using invented characters c) A political commentary on censorship d) An exploration of ancient languages
The primary function of the invented characters in A Book from the Sky is to: a) Enhance the aesthetic appeal of the work b) Convey a specific narrative c) Question the nature of language and meaning d) Preserve traditional Chinese writing

Free Response Question: Analyze how Xu Bing's A Book from the Sky uses the visual form of language to challenge its traditional function. (4 points)

Scoring Breakdown:

1 point: Identification of the work's use of invented characters.
1 point: Explanation of how the work challenges traditional notions of language and meaning.
1 point: Discussion of how the visual form of the characters mimics traditional Chinese script but lacks meaning.
1 point: Explanation of how the installation's scale and presentation enhance its commentary on language and power.

#1.4. Identity and Representation

#Untitled #228 [Jump to Section]

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Artist: Cindy Sherman
Date: 1990
Medium: Chromogenic color print
Key Features:
- Self-portrait in character
- Fashionable woman with a neutral expression
- Part of the "History Portraits"