• Unit 7: Our World – Nature, the Body, Identity, Sexuality, Politics, and Power

    In this unit, we will look at how artists express and interpret our world. If nothing else, visual art provides an avenue for self-expression. As a primary source of inspiration, artists express attitudes, feelings, and sentiments about environments through personal experiences, social interaction, and relationships with the natural world. In short, art helps us perceive and react to our place in the world. In Unit 1, we referred to description as one of many roles art takes on, but this description is often imbued with the artist's subjective take on the world. In this unit, we will examine how art operates as a vehicle for human expression – a kind of collective visual metaphor that helps to define who we are.

    Completing this unit should take approximately 5 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • describe how visual information is a source of knowledge and explain how this is reflected in works of art;
      • explain how the use of animals and other natural phenomena as subject matter in art offers clues to cultural differences; and
      • explain how political art uses nature, the body, identity, sexuality, politics, or power as a public reflection on these issues.

    • 7.1: Identity

      • Identity Page

        In this section, we will focus on art and identity, which has been a recurring theme in this course.

      • Art and Identity Page

        Read this chapter for an in-depth discussion on this aspect of art. Make sure you can identify the ways that identity can be used as a source of material for art.

    • 7.2: Self-Portraits

      • Self-Portraits Page

        Self-portraits indicate the artist's inward gaze and present view of themselves to the world.

    • 7.3: The Natural World

      • Nature Page

        This article is an introduction to how the natural world has inspired artists throughout time.

      • Activity 15: Nature and Technology Quiz

        Complete this ungraded writing activity. Be sure to respond to each of the questions in the prompt.

    • 7.4: Social, Collaborative, and Political Art

      • Social and Collaborative Art Page

        This article describes the role that art can play in a society and gives several examples of how artists work collaboratively.

      • Politics, Conflict, and War Page

        The experiences of politics, conflict, and war have been represented in works of art for thousands of years. They become documents, signifiers and symbols for power, remembrance, culture, and national pride.

      • Memorials Page

        The aftermath of war gives rise to memorials as vessels of remembrance for those who died. They are literally touchstones for families, friends, communities and entire nations to grieve. As works of art, they provide a public space of honor and resolve to never forget the lives and sacrifices made by those who go to war

      • Peace Page

        Like so many other things we experience in our world that translate into art, those that engender ideas of peace and tranquility take many different forms. View some excellent examples in the article below.

    • Unit 7 Wrap-Up

      • Unit 7 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.