Choice of Topic
Topics that are entirely dependent on summarizing general secondary sources (such as universal art
history textbooks, and encyclopedias), and topics that are likely to lead to an essay that is essentially
narrative or descriptive in nature, should be avoided. Biographical studies of artists must address a
relevant issue or research question and arrive at a particular, and preferably personal, conclusion.
Choosing a topic that covers many aspects of art history and/or a long period of time is also unlikely to
result in a successful essay. Restricting the scope of the essay will help to ensure a clear focus and will
provide opportunities for demonstrating detailed understanding and critical analysis.
The following examples of titles for visual arts extended essays are intended as guidance only. The
pairings illustrate that focused topics (indicated by the first title) should be encouraged rather than
broad topics (indicated by the second title).
• “How did Wassily Kandinsky use colour?” is better than “The Bauhaus”.
• “An analysis of African influences on Henry Moore” is better than “20th-century British
sculpture”.
• “What is the artistic significance of recent poles raised by the First Nations of Haida-Gwai?”
is better than “The art of Native North American people”.
• “Klimt’s use of gold” is better than “Sezession in Berlin”.
• “Robert Ntila’s etching techniques: a critical investigation” is better than “Contemporary East
African art”.
It may help if the student defines the topic chosen for study in the form of a more specific research
question, followed by a statement of intent that indicates which broad process is going to be used in
answering the question. In this way, the approach to the topic chosen may be even further clarified.
Some examples of this could include the following.
Topic: Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s work
Research question: Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?
Approach: An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have
been appropriated from other cultural sources.
Topic: The influence of Renaissance architecture in Montreal
Research question: Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, Montreal: a replica of St Peter’s, Rome?
Approach: An original investigation into the stylistic similarities in the architecture of these two
buildings.
Topic The impact of immigration on an artist’s work
Research question: What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?
Approach: An investigation into the effects of migration on a selected artist’s work.
Topics that are entirely dependent on summarizing general secondary sources (such as universal art
history textbooks, and encyclopedias), and topics that are likely to lead to an essay that is essentially
narrative or descriptive in nature, should be avoided. Biographical studies of artists must address a
relevant issue or research question and arrive at a particular, and preferably personal, conclusion.
Choosing a topic that covers many aspects of art history and/or a long period of time is also unlikely to
result in a successful essay. Restricting the scope of the essay will help to ensure a clear focus and will
provide opportunities for demonstrating detailed understanding and critical analysis.
The following examples of titles for visual arts extended essays are intended as guidance only. The
pairings illustrate that focused topics (indicated by the first title) should be encouraged rather than
broad topics (indicated by the second title).
• “How did Wassily Kandinsky use colour?” is better than “The Bauhaus”.
• “An analysis of African influences on Henry Moore” is better than “20th-century British
sculpture”.
• “What is the artistic significance of recent poles raised by the First Nations of Haida-Gwai?”
is better than “The art of Native North American people”.
• “Klimt’s use of gold” is better than “Sezession in Berlin”.
• “Robert Ntila’s etching techniques: a critical investigation” is better than “Contemporary East
African art”.
It may help if the student defines the topic chosen for study in the form of a more specific research
question, followed by a statement of intent that indicates which broad process is going to be used in
answering the question. In this way, the approach to the topic chosen may be even further clarified.
Some examples of this could include the following.
Topic: Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s work
Research question: Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?
Approach: An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have
been appropriated from other cultural sources.
Topic: The influence of Renaissance architecture in Montreal
Research question: Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, Montreal: a replica of St Peter’s, Rome?
Approach: An original investigation into the stylistic similarities in the architecture of these two
buildings.
Topic The impact of immigration on an artist’s work
Research question: What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?
Approach: An investigation into the effects of migration on a selected artist’s work.