Visual Art definitions

Sculpture

A work of art with three dimensions – height, width and depth. Work can be carved, modelled, constructed or cast

Painting

Works of art made with paint on a surface. Surfaces can be anything from canvas/fabric, stone, wood, leather, metal, paper, glass and synthetic materials. Types of paint include tempera, watercolour, oil paint, gouache, enamel.

Printmaking

Any process where an image is transferred from a matrix (a plate, screen or block where the image is prepared) to a print.

Prints are usually made with a printing press that applies even pressure to bring the matrix and the print together. Different techniques include lithography, screenprinting, etching, giclee and more.

Drawing

Depiction of shapes and forms on a surface, chiefly by means of lines. The basis of all pictorial representation and an early step in most art activities. Colour and shading can also be used.

Photography

From the Greek words photos (light) and graphos (drawing). A photograph is made using a camera to expose film to light in order to create a negative. This negative is used in a darkroom to print a photograph (positive) onto light-sensitive paper.

Sound

The use of sound in art which can be integrated with other forms of art. Sound is used to heighten the aesthetic experience. It engages and directs people in an activity of sensory exploration.

Experimental Film

Film as art - created as an alternative to commercial cinema and mainstream film.

Live art

A multi-media art form involving visual and performance elements that are planned and enacted before an audience.

Installation

Art made for a specific space and using different materials. Installations are usually made indoors and use the qualities of the space they’re in.

Contextual practice

Contextual practice is based on site-specific practice and research. Work may include sculpture, video and digital media, photography, textiles, print or painting.

Artist’s film and video

Innovative and experimental work by visual artists using film and video.

New Media

Art that is shaped by new computer technologies that may combine text, graphics, sound and video. New/ electronic media refers to the numerous new types of documents and media creations that have been created around the Web.