Visual Arts Overview
An extended essay in visual arts provides students with an opportunity to undertake research in an area
of the visual arts of particular interest to them.
The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing (with appropriate
illustrations) that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question, appropriate to the visual
arts (broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture).
The research may be generated or inspired by the student’s direct experience of artwork, craftwork or
design, or interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to the
student’s own culture or another culture. Personal contact with artists, curators and so on is strongly
encouraged, as is the use of local and/or primary sources.
Absolute reliance on textbooks and the internet is discouraged and no extended essay in visual arts
should be based exclusively on such sources. Textbooks should be consulted only insofar as they may
stimulate original ideas, provide models of disciplined, structured and informed approaches, and
encourage direct and personal involvement with the essay topic.
An extended essay in visual arts provides students with an opportunity to undertake research in an area
of the visual arts of particular interest to them.
The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing (with appropriate
illustrations) that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question, appropriate to the visual
arts (broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture).
The research may be generated or inspired by the student’s direct experience of artwork, craftwork or
design, or interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to the
student’s own culture or another culture. Personal contact with artists, curators and so on is strongly
encouraged, as is the use of local and/or primary sources.
Absolute reliance on textbooks and the internet is discouraged and no extended essay in visual arts
should be based exclusively on such sources. Textbooks should be consulted only insofar as they may
stimulate original ideas, provide models of disciplined, structured and informed approaches, and
encourage direct and personal involvement with the essay topic.