50+ Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics for IBDP

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Finally, this is our exploration of Visual Arts Extended Essay topics. As you set out on this creative path, you’re about to enter a world where art meets identity, emotion intertwines with nature, and spirituality dances with performance. 

Suppose you’re fascinated by how artists express their cultural roots, intrigued by the emotional power of expressionism, or curious about the role of art in fashion. In that case, this article is your gateway to many inspiring topics. 

With the help of IB experts from Writing Metier, we’ll venture into the realms of art conservation, examine the interplay between art and performance, and even delve into the ethical considerations of art restoration. 

Art and Identity

  • Cultural Identity : Exploring how artists express cultural identity through their work.
  • Personal Identity : Investigating the role of art in shaping and reflecting personal identity.
  • National Identity : Analyzing how art is used to construct and communicate national identity.

Art and Emotion

  • Expressionism : Exploring how expressionist artists convey emotion through their work.
  • Art Therapy : Investigating the therapeutic effects of art on mental health.
  • The Sublime in Art : Analyzing the concept of the sublime and its emotional impact in art.

Art and Nature

  • Land Art : Exploring the relationship between land art and environmentalism.
  • Botanical Illustration : Investigating the scientific and artistic aspects of botanical illustration.
  • Animal Representation : Analyzing the symbolic and aesthetic representation of animals in art.

Art and Spirituality

  • Sacred Art : Exploring the role of art in religious and spiritual practices.
  • Mysticism in Art : Investigating the influence of mysticism on artistic expression.
  • Art and Meditation : Analyzing the use of art as a meditative and contemplative tool.

Art and Performance

  • Performance Art : Exploring the evolution and significance of performance art.
  • Theatre Design : Investigating the role of visual art in theatre production and design.
  • Dance and Visual Art : Analyzing the intersection of dance and visual art in interdisciplinary performances.

Art and Fashion

  • Fashion Illustration : Exploring the artistic techniques and impact of fashion illustration.
  • Art and Haute Couture : Investigating the relationship between art and high fashion design.
  • Street Art and Fashion : Analyzing the influence of street art on contemporary fashion trends.

Art Conservation and Restoration

  • Art Conservation Techniques : Exploring the methods and challenges of art conservation.
  • Restoration Ethics : Investigating ethical considerations in the restoration of artworks.
  • Preserving Digital Art : Analyzing the strategies for preserving and archiving digital art.

These categories offer a broader range of topics for an Extended Essay in Visual Arts, allowing students to delve into various aspects of the subject and contribute to the understanding of complex artistic issues.

Each category offers a unique lens through which to view the vibrant tapestry of visual arts. 

So, grab your palette and brush (or pen and paper) as we set the stage for a journey into the heart of artistic exploration.

IB VA EE Topic Ideas and RQs

IB VA EE Topic Ideas

Our team has carefully compiled a diverse range of ideas spanning various artistic mediums, cultural contexts, and conceptual frameworks. In this block, you will find three topics and research questions for each category for an IB Visual Arts Extended Essay:

 In “Art and Identity,” we’ll dive into the fascinating ways artists express themselves and their cultural, personal, and national identities through their art. It’s all about exploring how art can be a mirror reflecting who we are and where we come from.

Cultural Identity

  • Research Question: How have contemporary Australian artists incorporated indigenous art elements to express cultural identity?
  • Research Question: How did African American artists during the Harlem Renaissance use art to express and shape their cultural identity?
  • Research Question: How does calligraphy function as a tool for expressing cultural identity in Islamic art?

Personal Identity

  • Research Question: How does Frida Kahlo use self-portraiture to explore and express her personal identity?
  • Research Question: How do émigré artists represent the impact of migration on their personal identity through their artwork?
  • Research Question: How do contemporary artists use visual art to explore and express gender identity?

National Identity

  • Research Question: How do Canadian landscape paintings reflect and shape the national identity of Canada?
  • Research Question: How has postcolonial art contributed to the construction of national identity in India?
  • Research Question: How did propaganda art in Soviet Russia shape and reflect national identity during the 20th century?

Here, we’ll uncover how artists channel their feelings into their creations , from the raw intensity of expressionism to the healing power of art therapy. Let’s delve into the emotional depths of art and its impact on our hearts and minds.

Expressionism

  • Research Question: How does Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” embody the principles of expressionism and convey emotion?
  • Research Question: How do expressionist artists use color to convey emotion in their paintings?
  • Research Question: How does Egon Schiele’s portraiture reflect expressionist themes and the human psyche?

Art Therapy

  • Research Question: How effective is art therapy as a treatment for anxiety disorders compared to traditional therapies?
  • Research Question: How does art therapy facilitate trauma recovery and emotional healing in children?
  • Research Question: How does art therapy contribute to enhancing mental well-being and reducing feelings of loneliness in elderly populations?

The Sublime in Art

  • Research Question: How do Romantic landscape paintings, such as those by Caspar David Friedrich, depict the concept of the sublime?
  • Research Question: How do contemporary digital art installations create a sense of the sublime for viewers?
  • Research Question: How does the concept of the sublime influence the emotional impact of Mark Rothko’s color field paintings?

In “Art and Nature,” we’re going to explore the beautiful interplay between the natural world and artistic expression.

From land art that harmonizes with the environment to botanical illustrations that capture nature’s details, this section is all about art’s green side.

  • Research Question: What is the environmental impact of Robert Smithson’s “Spiral Jetty,” and how does it interact with its natural surroundings?
  • Research Question: How has land art been used as a tool to promote environmental awareness and conservation?
  • Research Question: How does Andy Goldsworthy’s use of site-specific natural materials in his sculptures enhance the viewer’s connection to the environment?

Botanical Illustration

  • Research Question: How did botanical illustration in the 19th century contribute to scientific knowledge and artistic expression?
  • Research Question: How have botanical illustration techniques evolved from traditional media to digital media, and what are the implications for scientific accuracy and artistic expression?
  • Research Question: How can contemporary botanical illustration be used as a tool for environmental education and promoting biodiversity conservation?

Animal Representation

  • Research Question: How are animals symbolically represented in indigenous art, and what cultural meanings are associated with them?
  • Research Question: How has wildlife photography contributed to conservation efforts and public awareness of endangered species?
  • Research Question: How does anthropomorphism in children’s book illustrations influence children’s perceptions of animals and nature?

Here, we’ll delve into the sacred side of art, exploring how it intersects with religious practices, mystical experiences, and meditative contemplation. It’s a journey into the soulful dimensions of artistic expression.

  • Research Question: How does iconography function in Christian sacred art to convey theological concepts and spiritual experiences?
  • Research Question: How are Hindu deities represented in Indian temple architecture, and what is their significance in religious practices?
  • Research Question: How is art used in Buddhist meditation practices to enhance spiritual experiences and understanding?

Mysticism in Art

  • Research Question: How are mystical experiences represented in medieval art, and what do they reveal about the spiritual beliefs of the time?
  • Research Question: How do Kandinsky’s artworks reflect his interest in theosophy and mystical concepts?
  • Research Question: How is Sufi symbolism expressed in Persian miniature paintings, and what does it convey about Sufi mystical teachings?

Art and Meditation

  • Research Question: How are mandalas used in art therapy and meditation to promote mental well-being and spiritual growth?
  • Research Question: How does the practice of Zen calligraphy serve as a form of artistic expression and mindfulness meditation?
  • Research Question: What are the therapeutic effects of engaging in the creative process of art-making on mindfulness and stress reduction?

“Art and Performance” is where we’ll dive into the dynamic world of performance art, theatre design , and the interplay between dance and visual art. Get ready to discover how artists bring their visions to life on stage and beyond.

Performance Art

  • Research Question: How has performance art evolved in the 20th century, and what are the key themes and innovations that have shaped its development?
  • Research Question: How has performance art been used as a medium for feminist expression and activism?
  • Research Question: How does audience participation impact the meaning and experience of performance art?

Theatre Design

  • Research Question: How does set design influence audience experience and immersion in theatrical productions?
  • Research Question: How is digital technology integrated into contemporary theatre design, and what are its implications for storytelling and audience engagement?
  • Research Question: What are the sustainable practices being implemented in theatre design and production, and how do they impact environmental sustainability?

Dance and Visual Art

  • Research Question: How do collaborations between choreographers and visual artists influence the creation and interpretation of dance performances?
  • Research Question: How do visual elements such as costumes, lighting, and set design contribute to the aesthetics and narrative of contemporary dance?
  • Research Question: How has dance been represented in visual art throughout history, and what does this reveal about the cultural significance of dance?

In this section, we’ll explore the stylish intersection of art and fashion, from the creativity of fashion illustration to the haute couture runway.

>via GIPHY

Let’s unravel the threads that weave together the worlds of art and fashion.

Fashion Illustration

  • Research Question: How have fashion illustration techniques evolved from traditional methods to digital media, and what are the implications for the fashion industry?
  • Topic: The Role of Fashion Illustration in Brand Identity
  • Research Question: How does fashion illustration contribute to the development and communication of brand identity in the fashion industry?
  • Research Question: How has the rise of social media platforms influenced the style, visibility, and relevance of fashion illustration?

Art and Haute Couture

  • Research Question: How have specific art movements, such as Art Deco or Surrealism, influenced the design and aesthetics of haute couture collections?
  • Research Question: How do collaborations between contemporary artists and fashion designers impact the creative process and final designs in haute couture?
  • Research Question: How does haute couture contribute to the preservation and innovation of traditional artisanal techniques in fashion?

Street Art and Fashion

  • Research Question: How has street art influenced urban fashion trends and the development of streetwear brands?
  • Research Question: How is graffiti used in fashion design and branding to convey urban identity and cultural messages?
  • Research Question: How do collaborations between street artists and fashion brands impact the artistic value and commercial appeal of fashion collections?

“Art Conservation and Restoration” is all about the science and ethics behind preserving art for future generations. We’ll dive into the techniques used to conserve and restore artworks, and the challenges faced in keeping art alive and authentic.

Art Conservation Techniques

  • Research Question: What are the challenges in conserving contemporary art, and what innovative techniques are being used to address them?
  • Research Question: How is technology being used to enhance art conservation practices and extend the lifespan of artworks?
  • Research Question: What ethical considerations arise in the conservation of cultural heritage, and how are they addressed by conservators?

Restoration Ethics

  • Research Question: What are the ethical debates surrounding the restoration of damaged artworks, and how do different approaches impact the integrity of the original piece?
  • Research Question: How does the restoration process affect the authenticity and historical value of paintings?
  • Research Question: What ethical dilemmas arise in the restoration of religious artifacts, and how are they navigated by conservators and religious communities?

Preserving Digital Art

  • Research Question: What are the challenges in preserving digital art, and what strategies are being developed to ensure its longevity?
  • Research Question: How are museums adapting their conservation practices to accommodate and preserve digital media art?
  • Research Question: What methods are being used to archive and document digital artworks to maintain their accessibility and integrity over time?

All these topics and research questions are designed to inspire IB Visual Arts students to engage in meaningful and manageable research projects that contribute to their understanding of various aspects of art while meeting the IB Extended Essay criteria.

Final Thoughts

At WritingMetier, we firmly believe that the Visual Arts extended essay is a transformative experience that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the boundless realms of artistic expression. 

As you peruse through this list, allow your curiosity and passion to lead the way, and remember that the true essence of the extended essay lies in your ability to articulate your unique artistic vision and contribute to the ever-evolving discourse within the Visual Arts community. 

If you need further assistance in finding the perfect topic or even require a custom-written IB Visual Arts extended essay, WritingMetier is here to help . Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring your extended essay is well-researched, engaging, and aligns with all the IB’s requirements .

ib extended essay topics visual arts

So, let your creativity flow, and set out on this artistic voyage with confidence and enthusiasm. Your journey through the visual arts is bound to be as colorful and dynamic as the subjects you choose to explore. 

Free topic suggestions

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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ib extended essay topics visual arts

IB Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics

ib dp visual arts

As a writer and tutor with extensive experience in the IB Diploma Programme, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of crafting a standout Visual Arts Extended Essay. Today, I’m excited to share these insights with you, particularly about choosing the best Visual Arts Extended Essay topics.

Visual Arts Extended Essay Requirements

In my opinion, this essay is not merely an academic task but a canvas where you paint your intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. According to general IB criteria, your essay demands more than superficial topic research. It requires a deep investigation of the essence of your chosen subject, supported by meticulous research and personal engagement. Here’s a breakdown of what the IB looks for in an exceptional Visual Arts Extended Essay.

In-depth Understanding of the Topic

Your essay should highlight your chosen subject in a way that demonstrates a profound comprehension of its nuances and complexities. It’s not enough to simply relay information; you must dig into the topic’s significance within the Visual Arts course .

Clear and Coherent Arguments

Every claim you make should be underpinned by solid evidence and articulated logically and persuasively. Your essay should flow seamlessly from one point to the next, with each argument building upon the last to support your thesis.

Effective Research

High-quality research is the backbone of your essay. It includes primary sources like artworks and artist interviews and secondary sources like scholarly articles and critical essays. Your ability to select, analyze, and reference these materials is crucial.

Personal Engagement

The IB values your unique voice and perspective. Your essay should reflect your personal experience with the subject, including how your understanding and appreciation of the topic have evolved throughout your investigation.

Analysis of Artworks

You’re expected to choose relevant artworks and dissect them within their historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts. This analysis should go beyond mere description to examine the significance of the artworks with your research question. Moreover, employing the correct terminology demonstrates your knowledge of the subject and boosts your essay’s clarity and precision.

Visual Arts extended essay topics

Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Choosing a topic for an extended essay is a significant step that directly affects the quality of your work and your grade. I will now give you some ideas that you can use and improve upon as you see fit. Here are Visual Arts Extended Essay topics and research questions to consider:

  • The Influence of Cultural Heritage on Contemporary Aboriginal Art . How does contemporary Aboriginal art reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of its creators?
  • The Evolution of Feminist Themes in Modern Art . How have feminist themes evolved in modern art from the 20th century to the present day?
  • The Impact of Digital Technology on Traditional Painting Techniques . How has digital technology influenced traditional painting techniques and artists’ approaches to creating art?
  • The Role of Street Art in Urban Spaces. How does street art contribute to the identity and cultural landscape of urban spaces?
  • Surrealism and Dreams: A Research of Symbolism . How do Surrealist artists use symbolism to depict dreams and the unconscious mind?
  • The Renaissance Influence on Modern European Art . To what extent does modern European art retain the influences of Renaissance principles and techniques?
  • Art as a Form of Social Protest . How is art used for social protest and political commentary in contemporary societies?
  • The Psychology of Color in Abstract Art . How does color psychology affect abstract art’s interpretation and emotional impact?
  • The Intersection of Fashion and Art in Modern Design . How have modern designers blurred the lines between fashion and art to create innovative works?
  • Eco-Art: The Role of Art in Environmental Awareness . How do eco-artists use their work to promote environmental awareness and sustainability?
  • The Representation of Gender Fluidity in Contemporary Art . How is gender fluidity represented in contemporary visual art?
  • Cubism’s Influence on Modern Architecture . In what ways has Cubism influenced modern architecture and the design of public spaces?
  • Photography as a Historical Document: Capturing Social Change . How has photography been used to document social change throughout the 20th and 21st centuries?
  • The Revival of Classical Techniques in Modern Sculpture . How are classical sculpting techniques being revived and reinterpreted by modern sculptors?
  • Art Therapy: The Healing Power of Creative Expression . How is art therapy utilized to facilitate healing and emotional well-being, and what evidence supports its effectiveness?
  • The Renaissance to Modern Day: The Evolution of Portrait Painting . How has the art of portrait painting evolved from the Renaissance period to the modern day in terms of technique and representation?
  • Art in Times of War: A Reflection of Society and Conflict . How do artists represent and reflect upon the impact of war and conflict in their work across different historical periods?
  • The Influence of Japanese Art on Western Aesthetics . In what ways has traditional Japanese art influenced Western artistic aesthetics and practices?
  • The Role of Art in Public Health: Murals and Community Well-being . How do public murals contribute to community well-being and health, particularly in urban areas?
  • Sustainability in Art: Materials and Practices . How are contemporary artists incorporating sustainable materials and practices into their work, and what impact does this have on the art world?
  • Animation as a Fine Art: Evolution and Acceptance . How has animation evolved as a form of fine art, and how is it being integrated into mainstream art discourse?
  • The Role of Women in the Art World: From Creation to Curation . How has the role of women in the art world changed from creators to curators over the last century?
  • Art and Technology: Virtual Reality as a New Medium . How is virtual reality redefining the boundaries of art and creating new forms of immersive experiences?
  • The Revival of Folk Art in the 21st Century . What factors contribute to the revival of folk art in the 21st century, and how is it being reinterpreted in a modern context?
  • The Influence of Pop Art on Modern Advertising . How has Pop Art influenced modern advertising and consumer culture?
  • The Concept of Beauty in Contemporary Sculpture . How do contemporary sculptors challenge and redefine the concept of beauty in their works?
  • Street Photography: Capturing the Essence of the Urban Experience . How does street photography capture and convey the essence of the urban experience?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Contemporary Art Practice and Appreciation . How has social media impacted contemporary art practice, and how is art appreciated and consumed?
  • The Representation of Mental Health in Visual Arts . How do visual artists represent and interpret mental health issues in their work, and how does this impact public perceptions?
  • The Symbolism of Animals in Medieval Art . What roles and symbolism do animals play in medieval art, and how do these representations reflect the beliefs and values of the time?
  • The Cultural Significance of Tattoos in Indigenous Societies . How do tattoos function as a form of cultural expression and identity in indigenous societies, and what are the traditional techniques and meanings behind them?
  • Art Censorship: The Fine Line between Provocation and Freedom of Expression . Where does the line lie between provocation and freedom of expression in art, and how have artists dealt with censorship across different cultures and eras?
  • The Influence of Art on Architectural Design . How have specific art movements significantly influenced architectural design, and what are the most notable examples of this intersection?
  • Interactive Art: The Role of the Spectator in Contemporary Art Installations . How do contemporary art installations incorporate interactivity, and what role does the spectator play in completing these works of art?
  • The Renaissance of Collage in Digital Art . How has the medium of collage been reinterpreted in the digital age, and how do digital collages challenge our perceptions of reality and art?
  • The Revival of Analog Photography in the Digital Age . What factors contribute to the resurgence of analog photography in the digital era, and how does it affect contemporary artistic expression?
  • The Role of Minimalism in Modern Design Aesthetics . How has minimalism influenced modern design aesthetics, particularly in the digital interface design of the 21st century?

Choosing the right topic is like picking the perfect palette for a masterpiece. In my experience, the best topics pique your interest and offer ample room for investigation and analysis.

Think about the issues, movements, or artists that fascinate you. Are there particular questions or controversies in the visual arts world you want to research? Remember, a well-chosen topic can be the difference between an essay that feels like a chore and becomes a passion project.

Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.

Are you struggling to come up with topic suggestions for your IB Extended Essay? Or do you need help with Internal Assessment?

Our experienced writers can help you choose the perfect topic and assist you with any assignment.

You can order an Extended Essay tailored to your specific subject and requirements.

Our experienced IB writers are always ready to help.

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So, your Visual Arts Extended Essay showcases your analytical skills, creativity, and passion for the arts. Use this opportunity to research a topic that resonates with you, and remember that the process is as important as the outcome. With dedication, curiosity, and a little guidance from those who have walked this path before, you’ll be well on your way to writing a high-grade Extended Essay. Also, if you need some help or get more topic suggestions, just contact our experts from IB Writing Service .

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IB Visual Arts EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent does the street art in downtown athens, greece politically and socially charge the city, how did pablo picasso develop intimacy with the original audience and the impact on the contemporary audience through his artworks during his blue period, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, to what extent did the mughal architectural style influence the hindu temple architecture of india, to what extent was gaudi's iconographic program on the example of the basilica of the sagrada familia different from gothic solutions on the example of the seville cathedral, to what extent can artificial intelligence create original fine art, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, to what extent did hilma af klint’s artworks (1906-1922) bridge science and spiritualism, to what extend does gender impact omani artists, to what extent did edvard munch apply formal elements of art therapy such as color,shape, and repetition to create symbolism and purpose in the scream, how did zofia and oskar hansen’s architectural vision of przyczółek grochowski estate translate into practice and with what effect, how do andy warhol and thierry guetta's artwork demonstrate the controversies between intertextuality and plagiarism in pop art culture, to what extent has the indian culture influenced the architect gajanan b mhatre in the design of the empress court in mumbai during the british colonization, an exploration into the theme of motherhood in art during the early weimar republic, as seen through the works of otto dix and käthe kollwitz, how does frida kahlo portrya her devotionb to communism, the influence of nature on caso batlo by architect antoni guadi, "how did the dynamic style of zaha hadid's original abstract paintings introduce her unique architectural design of the jockey club in hong kong"..

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Visual Arts Extended Essay: The Complete Guide for IB Students

Author Image

by  Antony W

May 8, 2023

visual arts extended essay guide

An extended essay in visual arts allows you to conduct study in a particular area of visual arts that is of interest to you. The conclusion of the study should be a clear and structured piece of writing that tackles a topic or research question pertinent to the visual arts in an effective manner.  

The strongest EE in arts is the one that demonstrate a thoughtful selection of socially and culturally relevant topics, which frequently have a personal significance for the candidate in respect to his or her cultural identity, a potential university program, or present creative interests, such as studio work.

It is discouraged to rely solely on textbooks and the Internet, and no long essay in visual arts should rely solely on such sources.

You should only read your textbooks to the extent that they generate unique ideas, give models of disciplined, organized, and informed methods, and foster direct and personal engagement with the essay topic.

Choice of Arts Extended Essay Topic

When it comes to choosing a visual arts extended essay, we strongly recommend that you avoid themes that rely solely on summarizing generic secondary sources and those that are likely to result in an essay that is mostly narrative or descriptive in nature.

You must address a pertinent subject or research question and reach a specific, ideally individual, conclusion.

Choosing a topic that encompasses several areas of art history or a lengthy time span is likewise unlikely to result in a great essay. Restriction of the essay’s scope will help you to establish a clear focus and create opportunities for exhibiting in-depth comprehension and critical evaluation of your extended essay.

How Should You Treat Visual Arts Extended Essay Topic?

The topic you choose must have a clear and direct connection to visual arts. If the relationship is only tenuous, you risk introducing irrelevant material, which will confuse the investigation and undermine the case.

You should construct a research issue that is of personal interest and use a range of materials to support your claims, including textual analysis, the study of actual artworks or designed artifacts, and interviews with practitioners and subject-matter experts.

Questions that do not provide a systematic examination that exhibits critical creative analysis and in-depth comprehension are unlikely to be appropriate. In certain cases, it may become apparent early in the research process that there are insufficient sources to conduct such an examination. In such situations, consider a shift in emphasis.

In visual arts extended essays, the incorporation and discussion of pertinent visual reference material is of special relevance. However, such material must directly support and be relevant to the analysis/argument. It should be cleanly presented, appropriately acknowledged, and appear as near as feasible to the first reference in the body of the essay.

To stimulate personal investment in the extended essay, your work should include local and/or original sources wherever feasible. However, you may not have access to original materials in some circumstances. In such instances, high-quality replicas, movies, films, or photographs/Internet pictures are acceptable sources.

An argument should be well supported, with remarks and conclusions supported by evidence that is relevant and well-founded, as opposed to being based only on preconceived notions.

Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics Examples

Now that you know about the kind of topic you should choose for you visual arts extended essay, let’s consider some good and bad examples.

The worst example can be something like:

  • The variation within human perception
  • Architecture is functional art.
  • Postmodernism
  • Islamic architectural design

You want avoid these types of examples because they’re broad and therefore can’t fit within the scope of extended essay requirements .

You want to consider only the best topic for the project, particularly making sure you pick a subject that’s specific enough to form a research question that you can answer within the respective scope of the assignment.

Some of the best examples include but not limited to the following:

  • What role did national themes have in the creative activity of Russian avant-garde artists associated with the Knave of Diamonds society?
  • How did men and women’s clothes communicate National Socialist ideals?
  • How does Yinka Shonibare’s work represent the evolving importance of African art in a global society?
  • What are the origins of Romanesque architecture in Arles?
  • Are there pop art elements in the design of Pakistani trucks?
  • Titles for Protracted Essays
  • Appropriateness of Picasso’s usage of the Mbangu mask in ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’ in terms of cultural borrowing
  • How does Ketna Patel’s work reflect the increasing influence of media culture on Asian cultures?
  • How does Yinka Shonibare’s work represent the evolving significance of African art in a global society?
  • How far did Andy Warhol’s “Death and Disaster” series develop his interest in morbidity?
  • How Jesse Trevino’s cultural experiences influenced his artwork
  • How would one identify the crucial balance between design and function for four pedestrian bridges of the 21st century?
  • In what way does Damien Hirst’s art tackle the themes of Life and Death? (2013)
  • To what degree has Federation Square’s design proven successful?
  • When does photojournalism become an art form?
  • How does Fra Angelico’s picture of The Annunciation represent him in Renaissance Florence?

Tips for Writing a Visual Arts Extended Essay

You are supposed to assess critically the sources you consulted while writing the essay by asking yourself the following questions:

  • Which sources are essential to my ideas, beliefs, and assertions?
  • Which sources are irrelevant to the analysis?

For the research question, you can:

  • Utilize primary and secondary sources to develop and evaluate diverse perspectives.
  • Use these primary sources to explore and explain particular aspects of the visual arts, with emphasis on a particular aspect of the visual arts collecting and analyzing reproductions of artwork.

You must also exhibit an understanding of various topics associated with the studied work.

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the worth and limitations of the work you’re studying by analyzing its origin and function
  • Show a continuous high level of creative comprehension by addressing the study subject comprehensively and effectively.

Relevant findings from this analysis must feature in your argument, not to mention that you should carefully support the arguments.  

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

IBlieve

How to Choose an EE Topic (Visual Arts)

Bryan Defjan

Choosing the EE Subject

It’s important to:

  • Choose a subject you are willing to dedicate many hours to, and
  • Understand what an EE in that subject is like. For example, science EEs look like longer science IAs and involve a lot of lab work, whereas English EEs are similar to long Written Task 2s and involve a lot of reading and analysis.

I knew I wanted to write a Visual Arts EE because I loved learning about art history. I’d previously enjoyed analysing artworks for an academic competition, so I wanted to take that interest further through my IB work.

Brainstorming Ideas

For a Visual Arts EE, you can write about virtually any topic using any approach. This intimidated me because I had NO clue what to write about. So, I looked at what sort of questions have been addressed in past essays. I’ve compiled a few popular approaches here for you: 

ib extended essay topics visual arts

I began by researching various movements in art history, followed by looking into art from different countries and cultures. Then I dove into specific aspects of artwork such as lighting and lines. Finally, I researched artists I liked. This last step was the most important to me because it was what I found most interesting.

Narrowing Down your List

I circled my favourite topics and looked for connections between them. For example, I liked Edward Hopper’s artwork, which relies heavily on lighting and coincides with my fascination for American history and art. One of the questions I came up with was: “How does the use of lighting in Edward Hopper’s work evoke emotion in his audience?” Through making further connections, I shortlisted three other subjects I was eager to study—colour in Munch and Hopper’s paintings, sensuality and controversy of the Vienna Secession, and emotions in post-Chinese Cultural Revolution art. 

Selecting the Final Question

My supervisor urged me to choose a question that was both challenging and personally fulfilling. Though I found the Hopper question interesting, I was familiar with Hopper’s work and could answer it before even writing the EE. Upon reflection, I realized I wanted to use an artistic lens to explore an aspect of my Chinese background I’ve never learned about before. Thus, my final question was: “How have contemporary Chinese artists’ responses to the Cultural Revolution evolved from 1976 to the present day?”

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the Extended Essay process from start to finish, especially the synthesis of academic research and first-hand data collection (I surveyed 300 people and interviewed a gallery owner!). My findings also helped inform my IB Visual Arts pieces.

The brainstorming process might seem overwhelming because there are just so many topics to choose from! Create mind maps, discuss your ideas with others, and only shortlist topics that you really like—you’ll soon find that you have a direction. And remember, it’s okay to change your question later on!

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Visual Arts IA Topics: The Best Topic Ideas

As a seasoned writer and mentor in the IB Diploma Programme, I’ve guided numerous students through the intricacies of Internal Assessment (IA) writing. Today, I’m eager to share insights and tips to help you choose the perfect option among different Visual Arts IA topics. According to general IB criteria and from my vast experience, the right topic sparks your interest and also meets the rigorous standards of the IB DP Visual Arts course.

What Is IB DP Visual Arts Course?

The Visual Arts course is integral to the IB Diploma Programme, designed for students aged 16 to 19. This two-year course encourages students to challenge their creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. The thought-provoking course inspires students to develop their creative skills, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. Now, let’s look at all the key features of the course:

  • Students engage in practical and theoretical study, encouraging them to develop their creative work through various media and techniques.
  • The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and analysis, encouraging students to evaluate their work and that of others.
  • It aims to deepen students’ understanding of art as a dynamic and global form of communication and foster an appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives.
  • Students undertake research into artists, cultures, and different art forms and reflect on how these influence their work.
  • A significant component of the course is curating and presenting an art exhibition, where students showcase their work and demonstrate their understanding of the creative process.

The IB DP Visual Arts course assessment includes internal and external evaluations. This course is ideal for students passionate about the arts, whether they aim to pursue art in higher education or simply wish to develop their understanding and appreciation of the visual arts as part of a well-rounded education. It suits creative students who enjoy problem-solving and are interested in exploring art’s role in society and different cultures.

Understanding Visual Arts Internal Assessment

This comprehensive project culminates your learning path in the IB DP Visual Arts course, offering a platform to express your artistic curiosities in a structured and reflective manner. Drawing from my extensive experience with the IB curriculum, I’ve noted that the most impactful and rewarding IAs are born from a student’s genuine interest in a specific artistic theme or question.

When discussing the criteria delineating an outstanding Visual Arts IA, it’s crucial to highlight some components beyond originality, depth of investigation, and coherence. First, the capacity for critical thinking stands out as an indispensable skill. The ability to create and critically evaluate art, including your own, according to established artistic standards and contexts is vital. This evaluation process should be evident in your written work, showing a sophisticated understanding of the art world and your place within it.

An exceptional IA meets strict word count requirements and demonstrates a clear vision from conceptualization to execution. Your practical work should reflect technical skill and creativity and embody a deep understanding of the concepts you’re researching. The IA differs from extended essay writing. Remember, the coherence between your artistic intent and the final output is a testament to the thoughtfulness and depth of your investigation.

Lastly, engagement with the art community, whether through interviews, gallery visits, or consultations with artists and educators, can enrich your IA immeasurably. This engagement reflects an openness to learning and an understanding that art does not exist in a vacuum but is a dynamic field influenced by myriad factors and voices.

IB Visual Arts IA Topics and Research Questions

Below, I’ve outlined some topic ideas tailored for SL and HL students, each with a potential research question.

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Standard Level (SL) IB Visual Arts IA Topics

This level is suited for students with a strong interest in Visual Arts but may not necessarily wish to pursue art at a university level or as a career. SL students may consider these topics:

  • The Evolution of Portrait Photography: From Formal to Casual . How has the evolution of portrait photography influenced contemporary social media culture?
  • Street Art and Social Messages: A Local Perspective . In what ways does street art in my community reflect social or political concerns?
  • Traditional Textiles in Modern Fashion . How are traditional textiles being incorporated into modern fashion designs?
  • The Influence of Pop Art on Advertising . How has Pop Art influenced modern advertising techniques and aesthetics?
  • Environmental Concerns in Contemporary Sculpture . How do contemporary sculptors use their works to address environmental issues?
  • Digital Art as a Legitimate Art Form . What arguments support recognizing digital art as a legitimate art form alongside traditional mediums?
  • The Renaissance Influence on Modern Western Art . In what ways can the influence of Renaissance aesthetics be observed in modern Western art?
  • Ceramics: Traditional Techniques in the 21st Century . How have traditional ceramics techniques been preserved or altered in contemporary practice?
  • Animation: Art or Entertainment? Should animation be considered a form of art or solely entertainment?
  • The Role of Museums in Preserving Indigenous Art . How do museums contribute to the preservation and understanding of indigenous art forms?
  • Art Therapy: Benefits and Techniques . What are the primary benefits and techniques of art therapy?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Young Artists . How does social media affect the visibility and business practices of young artists?
  • Photorealism: Technique and Perception . What techniques do photorealistic artists use to alter perceptions of reality?
  • The Influence of Music on Abstract Painting . How can music influence the creation and interpretation of abstract paintings?
  • Eco-Art: Creating with Recycled Materials . How do artists use recycled materials to create eco-art, and what messages do they convey?
  • The Art of Origami and Its Cultural Significance . How does origami blend art and mathematics, and what cultural significance does it hold in Japanese society?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Public Art Installations . How has social media influenced the design and public engagement of art installations?
  • Reviving Folk Art Traditions in the Modern World . In what ways are artists reviving folk art traditions, and what motivates their resurgence today?
  • The Role of Art in Community Healing Post-Disaster . How can art contribute to community healing and resilience after natural disasters?
  • Symbolism in Medieval Art . What symbols were commonly used in medieval art, and what did they represent?
  • The Influence of Video Games on Visual Art . How have video games influenced visual art styles and techniques in the 21st century?
  • Street Photography: Documenting Urban Life . How does street photography capture and influence the perception of urban life?
  • The Renaissance of Calligraphy in the Digital Age . How is the art of calligraphy being preserved and transformed in the digital age?
  • Art and Fashion: The Influence of Famous Paintings on Fashion Design . How have famous paintings influenced modern fashion design and trends?
  • The Use of Recycled Materials in Jewelry Design . How do artists use recycled materials to create innovative and sustainable jewelry designs?

These topics can encourage deep thought and creative research, supporting SL students in creating impactful art projects and research within the IB Visual Arts course.

Higher Level (HL) IB Visual Arts IA Topics

HL is ideal for students considering further education, a career in Visual Arts, or related fields. For this level, consider these topics:

  • The Intersection of Art and Technology: A New Aesthetic . How is technology shaping new aesthetic movements in contemporary art?
  • Art as a Tool for Political Resistance . How has art been used for political resistance in authoritarian regimes?
  • The Psychological Impact of Color in Abstract Art . What psychological impacts do colors have in abstract art, according to contemporary research?
  • Surrealism and the Unconscious Mind . How do Surrealist artists explore the unconscious mind, and what methods do they employ?
  • The Ethical Implications of AI in Art Production . What are the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in creating art?
  • Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation in Contemporary Art . Where is the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation in contemporary art?
  • The Revival of Forgotten Art Techniques . Which forgotten art techniques are being revived, and what drives their resurgence?
  • Art in the Digital Age: Ownership and Originality . How do concepts of ownership and originality in art change in the digital age?
  • The Role of Performance Art in Social Activism . How is performance art used as a form of social activism, and what are its impacts?
  • Gender Representation in Classical vs. Modern Art . How has gender representation in art evolved from classical to modern times?
  • The Impact of Art on Mental Health . What is the impact of creating and viewing art on mental health?
  • Postmodernism: An Analysis of its Influence on Contemporary Art . How has postmodernism influenced contemporary art forms and artists?
  • The Globalization of Art Markets . How has globalization affected local art markets and artists?
  • Eco-Criticism in Art: A Study of Environmental Art . How do environmental artists contribute to eco-criticism, and what techniques do they use?
  • The Evolution of Interactive Art Installations . How have interactive art installations evolved, and how do they engage the public with art?
  • The Philosophical Underpinnings of Abstract Expressionism . What philosophical ideas underpin the abstract expressionist movement, and how are they expressed through art?
  • Artistic Responses to Climate Change . How are contemporary artists addressing the issue of climate change through their works?
  • The Intersection of Biotechnology and Art . How is biotechnology being used by artists to explore new frontiers in art?
  • The Concept of Post-Humanism in Contemporary Art . How do contemporary artists explore the concept of post-humanism, and what implications does this have for the future of humanity?
  • The Role of Art in the Digital Revolution . What role does art play in reflecting and shaping the digital revolution?
  • Investigating the Influence of Surrealism on Modern Cinema . How has Surrealism influenced modern cinema, particularly in depicting dreams and the subconscious?
  • Art as a Medium for Social Change in the 21st Century . How is art used as a medium for social change, and what are some notable examples?
  • The Evolution of Public Art: From Graffiti to Digital Projections . How has public art evolved from graffiti to digital projections, and what does this say about societal changes?
  • The Psychological Effects of Color in Abstract Art on Viewers . What are the psychological effects of color in abstract art on viewers, and how do artists exploit this?
  • The Fusion of Art and Science in Contemporary Sculpture . How are contemporary sculptors fusing art and science, and what are the outcomes of such collaborations?

These topics and research questions are designed to stimulate critical thinking and creative exploration for the rigorous demands of the IB Visual Arts HL courses.

In conclusion, selecting the right Visual Arts IA topic requires introspection, research, and careful planning. Remember, the best themes meet the IB criteria and ignite your passion for art. Approach this task with an open mind and a commitment to exploring your creative boundaries. I am confident that with the right approach, you’ll choose a compelling topic and produce a work you’re proud of. Also, our IB experts are always ready to help you with Internal Assessment writing.

Valerie Green

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

exteded essay word count

How Long Is IB EE? Minimum and Maximum Word Count

Balancing word count limits requires careful planning and consideration of every word you write. In this guide, I’ll share strategies and insights from years of mentoring IB students to help you master the art of word count management in your extended essay.

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TOK Essay Word Count. Min & Max

In this guide, we discuss the crucial parameters set by the International Baccalaureate for minimum and maximum word counts. Through the insights of an experienced IB writer, this article offers practical strategies for staying within these limits while improving the quality and depth of your essay.

IA Average word count

How Long Is IB IA? Average IA Word Count

From my experience as IB tutor, a frequent question among students is, “How Long Is IB IA?” This question is crucial as the IA represents a significant component of the IB diploma, reflecting a student’s ability to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world context.

ib extended essay rubric

IB Extended Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

Understanding the IB extended essay rubric is essential for success. The rubric provides a framework that grades students on several key criteria including the sharpness of their research question, the rigor of their methodology, the breadth and depth of their knowledge, the fluidity and clarity of their argumentation, and their personal engagement with the research topic.

IB TOK Essay Rubric and Grading criteria

IB TOK Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

This article provides essential insights and strategies for understanding the assessment process and helping you write essays that meet and exceed the rigorous standards of the IB curriculum. Whether you’re striving for clarity of argument, effective integration of knowledge, or personal engagement, our tips will help you achieve a higher score.

ib ia rubric

IB Internal Assessment Rubric and Grading Criteria

The IB IA rubric is carefully structured to assess students’ understanding, skills and application of subject matter in a nuanced and comprehensive manner. Each subject rubric, whether for sciences such as Biology and Chemistry, humanities such as History and Psychology, or Mathematics, emphasizes a unique set of criteria tailored to assess specific competencies and skills.

ib extended essay topics visual arts

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete ib extended essay guide: examples, topics, and ideas.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

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If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

  • A title page
  • Contents page
  • Introduction
  • Body of the essay
  • References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

  • Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
  • Group 2: Language Acquisition
  • Group 3: Individuals and Societies
  • Group 4: Sciences
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

  • A check on plagiarism and malpractice
  • Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
  • Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

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We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

  • Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
  • Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
  • English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
  • Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
  • Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
  • Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

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How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

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Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

  • January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
  • February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
  • April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
  • Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
  • August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
  • September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
  • November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

body-bird-worm-cc0-pixabay

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

  • Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
  • Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
  • Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

body-theory-of-knowledge

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

  • Business Management 1
  • Chemistry 1
  • Chemistry 2
  • Chemistry 3
  • Chemistry 4
  • Chemistry 5
  • Chemistry 6
  • Chemistry 7
  • Computer Science 1
  • Economics 1
  • Design Technology 1
  • Design Technology 2
  • Environmental Systems and Societies 1
  • Geography 1
  • Geography 2
  • Geography 3
  • Geography 4
  • Geography 5
  • Geography 6
  • Literature and Performance 1
  • Mathematics 1
  • Mathematics 2
  • Mathematics 3
  • Mathematics 4
  • Mathematics 5
  • Philosophy 1
  • Philosophy 2
  • Philosophy 3
  • Philosophy 4
  • Philosophy 5
  • Psychology 1
  • Psychology 2
  • Psychology 3
  • Psychology 4
  • Psychology 5
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
  • Visual Arts 1
  • Visual Arts 2
  • Visual Arts 3
  • Visual Arts 4
  • Visual Arts 5
  • World Religion 1
  • World Religion 2
  • World Religion 3

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Current Unit: DEVELOPING YOUR EXHIBITION

Extended Essay

Visual arts and ee.

An extended essay in visual arts provides you with an opportunity to undertake research in an area of the visual arts of particular interest to you.

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 your direct experience of artwork, craftwork or design, or interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to your 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.

The strongest EEs often show careful choice of socially and culturally interesting subjects, which often had a special meaning for the candidate either in relation to your own cultural identity, a future university program, or for a current artistic reason, e.g. your personal studio pursuits.

Whatever you choose your question needs to be narrowed down and strictly focused in order for the rest of the criteria - investigation, analysis, evaluation, a valid argument, and purposeful understanding of the question, to be treated effectively. Without a strong focused research question it is difficult to collect data and evaluate sources for comparison.

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.

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”

“In what way did African art influence on the work of 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”

It may help if you define 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.

Treatment of the topic

It is essential that the topic chosen be clearly and directly related to visual arts. If the connection is only incidental, you risk introducing material that is of only marginal relevance, and will confuse the inquiry and weaken the argument. You should formulate a research question of personal interest and draw on a variety of sources to support your arguments, such as textual analysis, study of original artworks or designed artifacts, and interviews with practitioners or authorities on the subject. Research questions that do not allow a systematic investigation that demonstrates critical artistic analysis and detailed understanding are unlikely to be suitable. In some instances, it may become clear at an early stage in the research that too few sources are available to permit such an investigation. In such cases, a change of focus should be made.

The inclusion and discussion of appropriate visual reference material is of particular importance in visual arts extended essays. Such material must, however, be directly supportive of, and relevant to, the analysis/argument. It should be neatly presented, properly acknowledged, and should appear in the body of the essay, as close as possible to the first reference.

In order to promote personal involvement in the extended essay, the use of local and/or primary sources should be encouraged wherever possible. However, it is appreciated that, in certain situations, you may not necessarily have access to primary sources. In such situations, reproductions, videos, films or photographs/Internet images of a high quality are considered acceptable sources. An argument should be well substantiated, with comments and conclusions supported by evidence that is relevant and well-founded, not based simply on your preconceptions.

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Download the Graphic

Examples of good EE titles

  • What part did national motifs play in the creative work of Russian avant-garde artists of the Knave of Diamonds society?
  • Should the old neon signs of Warsaw be moved to a new Museum of Modern Art?
  • In what ways did men’s and women’s fashion convey the ideals of National Socialism?
  • How does the work of Yinka Shonibare illustrate the changing role of African art in a global society?
  • Le Corbusier: Chapel at Ronchamp. How does Le Corbusier use both cubist and organic architecture to create aesthetic and functional harmony?
  • What were the origins of the Romanesque in Arles?
  • Are there influences of pop art in the decorations on Pakistani trucks?

The following examples are more appropriate for the Comparative Study rather than an EE topic

  • The Orient in the works of three orientalist artists and their diverging perspectives – Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres, Jean-Leon Gerome, Osman Hamdi Bey.
  • A comparison of the marriage of high art and fashion in the designs of Sonia Delaunay and Yves St-Laurent.

Examples of weak EE Titles

  • The Variation within perception amongst human beings.
  • Architecture: Art with a purpose.
  • Salvador Dali. (in fact any purely biographical study of a very famous artist - what more can you say that has been written already in countless books)
  • Postmodernism.
  • Islamic architecture.

Writing the EE

You are expected to evaluate critically the resources consulted during the process of writing the essay by asking yourself the following questions.

  • Which sources are vital to the support of my ideas, opinions and assertions?
  • Which sources do not contribute to the analysis?

Many different approaches to the research question can be appropriate, for instance:

  • use of primary sources (artwork and artists) and secondary sources (material about the visual arts) in order to establish and appraise varying interpretations
  • analysing sources (primary and secondary) in order to explore and explain particular aspects of the visual arts
  • using primary source material for an analysis, with emphasis on a particular aspect of visual arts
  • collecting and analysing reproductions of artwork, possibly leading to a comparison of similar or different images.

You should also demonstrate awareness of other issues surrounding the art studied.

  • Do I show an awareness of the value and limitations of the art I am studying through analysing its origin and purpose?
  • Do I show a consistently good artistic understanding in setting the research question into context and addressing it fully and effectively?

Relevant outcomes of this analysis should be integrated into the your argument.

  • The argument should also be well substantiated:
  • With what evidence do I support my comments and conclusions?
  • Is this evidence relevant and well founded, and not based simply on my preconceptions?

Extended Essay Titles

Borrowing culture: the appropriateness of Picasso's use of the Mbangu mask in 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' (2008)

Can Luc Tuymans be classified as a political painter?

How does the work of Ketna Patel illustrate the growing impact of media culture on Asian cultures? (2014)

How does the work of Yinka Shonibare illustrate the changing role of African art in a Global Society? (2008)

How far Andy Warhol's interest in morbidity explored in his "Death and Disaster' series? (2014)

How the cultural aspects of Jesse Trevino's life impacted his artwork (Part1, Part2) (2008)

How would one determine the essential balance between form and function in the cases of four 21st century pedestrian bridges? (2014)

The influence on the Casa Batllo (1904-6) by the architect Antoni Gaudi (Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4) (2011)

Is the distortion of Francis Bacon and Jenny Saville's artwork gender related? (Part1, Part2, Part3) (2011)

To what extent has Damien Hirst explored the themes of Life and Death in his work? (2013)

To what extent has the design of Federation Square been a success?

To what extent have Jungian theories of the unconscious archetypes, influenced Rotho's 'The Omen of the Eagle, 1942' and 'No. 18, 1948,' and in what ways are they expressed? (2012)

To what extent was Toulouse-Lautrec's lithograph 'Dican Japonais' influenced by the culture of Montmartre and technical developments of 'Belle-Epoque'? (2013)

When does photojournalism transcend into art? (Part1, Part2, Part3) (2011)

How does Fra Angelico present himself within Renaissance Florence though his depiction of The Annunciation? ( 2017)

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IB EXTENDED ESSAY IN VISUAL ARTS Topic: The influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture in " Fallingwater "

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¿How does the organic style of Frank Lloyd Wright is reflected in the “Fallingwater” house of Edgar Kaufmann, 1936?

Related Papers

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Shamiram Sogomonyan

Olivia Valentine

From antiquity until the present day, architecture has taken many forms and has continually evolved into grand masterpieces. Each building or design becomes a reflection of the architect, so for Frank Lloyd Wright, those buildings were born from ideas and interpretations of an “organic” architecture, that were harmonious with nature, celestial, and modern in design. They were based upon his theory of how “form and function are one.” However, does his architecture still influence new themes in architecture today, or was it just a period in history, full of natural grandeur, which is now being glossed over by many? While many historians question and ponder this, his work has, by all means, captivated and inspired those that visit his works that are still standing today, such as the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Throughout his constant study, vigilance, and determination, his focus and incorporation of nature into the modern and abstract allowed him to create some of the world’s most infamous works which illustrate his organic architecture. This style has allowed for viewers and visitors alike to explore and journey through his creations.

Modernism Magazine (Spring 2011)

Justin Gunther

hugues henri

Above all, there was the relative filiation between Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), which perpetuates architectural modernity in the United States, even if Wright also left Sullivan's office to emancipate himself from the "beloved Master". He had joined the Adler and Sullivan agency in 1887 and quickly became its foreman, but in 1893, Sullivan had to fire Wright who showed an unfortunate tendency to build, for his own profit, individual houses for the clients of the Adler-Sullivan firm, which his contract as foreman expressly prohibited him from doing. Connecting Richardson and Wright is also essential. Indeed, Richardson's Shingle Style houses, such as the Hay House in Washington DC, and the Paine House in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1886, developed open floor plans from sumptuous staircases. In addition, Richardson preceded Wright in his interest in traditional Japanese architecture and interior design. Wright's later expansion of scale, increasing the horizontal dimension while raising the apparent height, to give monumentality to the building, as he first experienced in the Winslow House in River Forest, Illinois, 1893, is already present in Richardson's and Price's work, another architect of the "Schingle Style" that inspired Wright's first Oak Park house in 1889. It is therefore certain that despite his indisputable personal genius, Wright owes an immense debt to these architects of the "Shingle Style", such as Stanfort White, Wilson Eyrec and Bruce Price, and of course Henry Richardson, from whom, according to Vincent Scully, the whole "Prairie Style" is derived. On the other hand, the influence of traditional architecture and traditional Japanese spatial design has an important place in Wright's work. He saw the HO- O-Den Temple, built by the Japanese government for the Colombian Exposition of 1893. The encounter with Japanese architecture exerted a decisive impulse on Wright's career according to Grant Carpenter Manson, an American art historian. Thus, the Takonama, center of contemplation and center of the Japanese house, became for Wright the Oversized Soul, animist place and center of the Usonian house. The open relation inside/outside, the non-partitioning of the interior space, the extension of the eaves, all this was present in the HO-O-Den Temple. Wright's singularity is multifaceted: he knows and has practiced the functionalism of the Chicago school in Adler-Sullivan's studio. He acknowledged having read Viollet-le-Duc, his Lectures on Architecture and his Dictionnaire raisonné de l'architecture, which, according to him, enabled him to emerge from the despair he had felt after reading another great pre-modern writer, Victor Hugo's Notre Dame de Paris and his perception of the Renaissance as the twilight of art and especially architecture, because it was the time when the machine, the printing press, dealt its fatal blows to art. It is also clear that he knows John Ruskin, William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement and that he is sensitive to a certain extent to the Ruskinian refusal of industrial mechanization.

IOSR Journals

Biophilic design is a recent trend in the building industry but its application is antique,buildings like the falling water house have become famous because of its biophilicelements and expressions. Humans are part of nature and its inherent need to connect with nature is embedded in our DNA and our physical, psychological and social wellbeing is depended on this continuos connection. In a world where there is technological improvements and innovations these needs can be met by integrating elements of nature into the built environment asbiophilic design have become a tool in achieving this innate connection. Connecting man with nature can be effectively created directly, indirectly or symbolically using the identified biophilic patterns and parameters. This is areview article which explains the concept of biophiliaandseeks to identify the biophilic design patterns that were employed in the design of the Falling Water House by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1936-1939. Data used for this research paper were sourced from secondary data; books, articles, photographs and architectural magazines to get detailed knowledge about the building of interest. The researchhave identified13 patterns of biophilic design in the falling water house and have expressed in details how it has been used with each of the spaces having a minimum of four(4) identified patterns, the result have also showed that 68% is the nature of the space pattern while natural analogues pattern and nature of the space patterns had 16% respectively.Biophilic designs should be seen as a tradition for contemporary architects to design built spaces, the habitat we create for ourselves should be able to meet our physical, social and psychological needs having less impact on our health and the environment thus, creating a sustainable built environment.

ACSA Annual Meeting Proceedings

Max Underwood

This paper examines the prolific residential career of Frank Lloyd Wright (1869-1959), and how he was able to formulate a coherent technical vocabulary out of two investigations, one into the "Technology of Appearance" and a second into the "Technology of Innovation", which ultimately led to a "Technology of Synthesis" and the realization of his masterpiece, Fallingwater in 1935." As Frank Lloyd Wright reminds us, "A house we like to believe is the status quo; a noble consort to man and the trees; therefore the house should have response and such texture as will quiet the whole and make it graciously at one with external Nature. Human houses should not be like boxes, blazing in the sun, nor should we outrage the Machine by trying to make dwelling places too complementary to Machinery. Any building for humane purposes should be an elemental, sympathetic feature of the ground, complementary to its natural environment, belonging by kinship to the terrain and place."

The Branding of Fallingwater (Book)

Gjoko Muratovski

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater is one of the most unique houses in the world, and it needed people just as unique to help make this timeless treasure a reality. Since Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater opened to the public in 1964, more than six million visitors have experienced this architectural masterwork. Now, 55 years after its debut, Fallingwater is making its first steps towards establishing itself as an iconic brand as well. Fallingwater has always been a place for inspired thinking. When Edgar Kaufmann, jr. donated Fallingwater and over 1,500 acres surrounding it to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) in 1963, he envisioned Fallingwater not only as a place where visitors would come to experience great architecture but also as a place where a deeper experience of art and nature might occur. In a letter dated October 14, 1963, Kaufmann said, “This gift is made in memory of my parents, Liliane S. and Edgar J. Kaufmann; their wish, in which I join, was that the great natural beauty and architectural excellence of the property which they developed might be more fully available to interested scholars and lovers of nature and the arts.” Each year, Fallingwater Institute honours the vision of Edgar Kaufmann, jr. by welcoming visiting artists/scholars of exceptional talent to live, study, and work on our historic site located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Laurel Highlands. In 2018, Dr Gjoko Muratovski was invited as the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence at the Fallingwater Institute. This book is one of the outputs as a result of his residency at Fallingwater.

REYHAN VARLI GÖRK

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Art Viewer

SPECIAL FEATURE: 8th Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Artists: Stephan Balkenhol, Georg Baselitz, Alexander Brodsky, Evgenia Buravleva, VALIE EXPORT, Harm Weistra & Eddi Bal, Sonja Gangl, Evgeny Granilshchikov, Alex Katz, Andrey Kuzkin, Maria Kulagina, Halla bint Khalid, Rashid al Khalifa, Mohammed Khoja, Maria Lassnig, Leyla, Alexey Luka, Orhan Mammadov, Tony Matelli, Muntean / Rosenblum, Hermann Nitsch, Pavel Otdelnov, Paola Pivi, Egor Plotnikov, Vitaly Pushnitsky, Neo Rauch, Gerhard Richter, Natalia Sitnikova, Maria Suvorova, Lijun Fang, Xenia Hausner, Zhang Huan

Exhibition title: The Main Project “Orienteering And Positioning”

Venue: State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia

Date: October 31, 2019 – January 22, 2020

Curator: Dmitri Tcherniakov

Architects : Sergei Tchoban, Agniya Sterligova

Designer : Igor Gurovich

Photography: Kiki Petratou / All images copyright and courtesy of the artists and Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art

Moscow Biennale aims to be not only a particular powerful event, but also a new institutional project that strengthens relationships between curators, art historians, managers, federal authorities, sponsors and trustees, mass media and public opinion on contemporary art both in and outside Russia itself. It is the organisers’ intention that the Moscow Biennale will be a reproducible strong structure that finds its place in the network of other major international art forums.

The Main Project of the 8th Moscow Biennale consists of more than 50 works of 34 artists from 11 countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the USA.

For the first time one of the world’s leading museums – Albertina (Vienna, Austria) – became a partner of the Moscow Biennale. The masterpieces of 11 artists of the XX century will come from the collection of Albertina Museum.

Dmitri Tcherniakov, the curator Main Project of the 8th Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art:

«This is my first experience of curatorial work in such a large project. I am very glad that something like this happened in my life. This experience connects a lot of things in my life, because, as I said, the visual is a very important part of what I do and what I love in the theater. Therefore, this is the main motivation. As I always say, I am in favor of expanding the boundaries between hermetic arts, which are usually rarely interested in each other.

In General, what is creativity? Creativity, if we talk simly – is the creation of something new, so we all do it in its own way and in different genres. Therefore, I am very grateful that all this happened, and thank you to Sergei Tchoban, who made a great project, and the organization of the Moscow Biennale, Julia Muzikiantskaya, and all the artists who is participating in the Main Project. Unfortunately, many artists who planned to take part in this project couldn’t do it and I express them my apologies. The exhibition, I hope, will impress visitors. The Project will be opened on October 31st»

Julia Muzikantskaya, the president of the Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art:

«The main project of the 8th Moscow Biennale is the extraordinary and bright exhibition. It seems to me that no one has ever done something of this kind, which is not surprising. I would like to thank the unique team of curators: Dmitri Tcherniakov, architects Sergei Tchoban and Agniya Sterligova and, of course, one of the leading world’s museums – Albertina. The main idea of any Biennale is the dialogue of artists, the creative interaction. It was important for us that Russian artists would have the opportunity for this dialogue with the recognized celebrities of the world and their best art works. Of course, this was made possible mainly because our partners and trustees. I would like to emphasize that for many years the creation of the new pieces for Moscow Biennale has become possible due to the support of Leonard Blavatnik.

Let me express my gratitude to our constant partners – Transneft, Gazprombank, Ingosstrakh, Metropol and Azimut hotels and new and, I hope, also constant – MTS and Aeroflot.

I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia O.U. Golodets and the Minister of Culture V.R. Medinsky, the Moscow government for the support provided.

Special thanks to Zelfira Tregulova and the team of State Tretyakov Gallery.»

Klaus Albrecht Schröder, general director of Albertina

«For many years the Albertina Museum has had close partnerships with renowned Russian museums.

Exhibitions at the State Hermitage Museum and the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg as well as co-operations with the Pushkin Museum are now followed for the first time by a co-operation with the Tretyakow Gallery.

In the Main project of the 8th Moscow Biennale, the Albertina Museum is presenting important positions of contemporary art from their rich collections. Many of these artists will be presented for the first time in Russia»

Zelfira Tregulova, the general director of the State Tretyakov Gallery:

“I think it is very important that such a significant event as the Moscow Biennale should continue to live and be held regularly. Russia, which is not presented often at international art exhibitions and fairs, should indicate that contemporary art is interesting, lively and relevant in our country.

It is very important that the participation of the contemporary art collection from the famous Albertina Museum in Vienna and the exhibiting of the most important contemporary artists’ works are planned during the Moscow Biennale in 2019. Most of those artists have become classics, and it is very important that their works will be shown in the space, where during the late 1980s-early 1990s the breakthrough exhibitions of the great artists, including Rauschenberg, Tinguely, Gilbert&George, Rosenquist, and many others were held. The presentation of works created in recent years by Russian artists is also very important. It emphasizes the continuity of the tradition of the presence of contemporary art – both International and Russian, in the space of the State Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val.”

Sergei Tchoban, the architect and author of the exposition design of the Main Project of the 8th Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art:

«My participation in the 8th Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art as the author of the exhibition design is a great honor for me and a very interesting creative challenge, and I am highly grateful to the organizers for their trust. The design of the exhibition, which was developed together with Agniya Sterligova, is based on the idea of the city of artists. Various parts are interpreted as separate “buildings” and “squares”, the content and form of which are dictated by the intentions of the artists participating in the exhibition. I hope that the visitors will see the space of the exhibition as a series of successively shown large-scale spaces, and each of them is full of bright and unexpected works of modern art.»

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Harm Weistra & Eddi Bal, Requiem for a Falling Man , 2019, Dibond, mounting scarf, video

ib extended essay topics visual arts

The Main Project “Orienteering And Positioning” , 2019, exhibition view, State Tretyakov Gallery, 8th Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Herman Nitsch, Actions , 1962 – 2005

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Stephan Balkenhol, Six standing men with black trousers and white shirts , 2013, Painted cedar of Lebanon, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The ESSL Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Tony Matelli, Couple , 2015, Polyester, silicone, polyurethane, wood, steel, oil paints, hair, Collection of Ekaterina & Vladimir Semenikhin

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Alexey Luka, Shelter , 2019, wood, plywood, banner fabric, found objects, metal, acrylic

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Valery Koshlyakov, Angel castle , 1994, Corrugated cardboard, tempera, mixed media, Collection of Ekaterina & Vladimir Semenikhin

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Zhang Huan, CPR foundation day is 1984 , 2011, Ashes of incense on canvas

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Egor Plotnikov, A minute for awake , 2019, Wood, paper, acrylic

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Alexander Brodsky, 1992, Roads , 2019, Installation

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Rashid al Khalifa, Maze , 2018, Enamel on Stainless Steel

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Gerhard Richter, Abstract Picture, Nr. 611 – 1 ., 1986, Oil on canvas, The ALBERINA Museum, Vienna, The Batliner Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Evgeny Granilshchikov, Tactics , 2019, Video Installation

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Maria Kulagina, Catcher , 2019, Mixed media

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Neo Rauch, Let’s move on to the next , 2015, Oil on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The ESSL Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Muntean / Rosenblum, Untitled (Before we know it…) , 2000, Acrylic on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The ESSL Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Vitaly Pushnitsky, Forest , 2019, & Character 2019, Oil on Canvas, wood

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Alex Katz, Roses 2. , 1998, Oil on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The ESSL Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Alex Katz, Jessica , 2017, Oil on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The Batliner Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Lijun Fang, 2014.9.30 ., 2004, Acrylic on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The ESSL Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Lijun Fang, Untitled , 2005, Acrylic on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The ESSL Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Orhan Mammadov, The Idea of Saving Aesthetics , 2019, Multimedia Installation

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Orhan Mammadov, The Idea of Saving Aesthetics, 2019, Multimedia Installation

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Halla bint Khalid, Punching Bag , 2019, Leather, filling

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Halla bint Khalid, Housekeeping , 2019, Broom, mop, duster and resin bucket

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Mohammed Khoja, The Driving Jacket , 2018, Satin

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Paola Pivi, 2019, installation view

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Andrey Kuzkin, Prayers and Heroes , 2016 – 2019, Bread, salt, wood, acrylic, metal, pva

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Georg Baselitz, My parents by Dix (Remix) , 2005, Oil on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – Permanent loan of the Viehof Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Georg Baselitz, Larry (Remix) , 2006, Oil on canvas, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – Permanent loan of the Viehof Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Evgeniya Buravleva, Midday , 2019, Oil on canvas

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Pavel Otdelnov, MSW ‘Timokhovo’ , 2019, Oil on canvas

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Leyla, All is sacred , 2019, Multimedia installation

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Xenia Hausner, Scorpio Night , 1995, Acrylic and varnish on pressboard, The ALBERTINA Museum, Vienna – The Batliner Collection

ib extended essay topics visual arts

Natalia Sitnikova, Prometheus , 2019, Oil on Canvas, tempera / Apostle Peter, 2019, Oil on Canvas, tempera

ib extended essay topics visual arts

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It is difficult to assess Margarita Tupitsyn’s new book,  Moscow Vanguard Art, 1922–1992 , because of its strong spirit of partisanship. It covers wide historical ground and brings in a lot of new material gathered from primary sources, but it is also unabashedly selective, its choices circumscribed by the author’s personal history. A well-known art historian and curator of Russian and Soviet avant-garde art, Tupitsyn belongs to the generation of intellectuals who came of age during the period of stagnation and decline of the Soviet Union. The history she narrates belongs to this period fully and inextricably. Her important contribution to the field is to be one of the first and most consistent specialists to write about the formerly marginal subject of Russian and Soviet art, which has come to the attention of mainstream art history in the West only in the past fifty years. The author’s personal participation in this history forms an important part of the book and contributes to its strengths and weaknesses. Beginning in the 1970s, she was first a participant and later an organizer of the key events and exhibitions described in her book. Thus, her narration comes not only from her vast knowledge of history and theoretical literature, but also from her own experience. This personal element is reflected in the fact that Tupitsyn writes only about artists from Moscow, Russia’s capital and its largest and most developed city, where she was born and raised and socialized with many of the artists she describes in her book. This focus is a positive aspect of the book, as the author narrows down the topic to what she knows best. Tupitsyn’s decision to embrace “vanguard” art under a wide chronological umbrella is more problematic because she traces a direct parallel between the avant-garde of the early 1920s and experiments conducted by Moscow artists after Stalin’s death during the Khrushchev and Brezhnev eras. Tupitsyn talks about art in terms of its accepting or, the contrary, confronting the dominant political structure. This argument makes sense within an oppositional framework of a “left” versus “right” political struggle, but it dismisses a “gray” area in-between, which may be most interesting of all in the realm of aesthetics as it questions and often negates the polar divisions. In this sense, Tupitsyn’s reading of “vanguard” art is limited by its insertion into this oppositional structure.

As an actual participant of the many events she chronicles, Tupitsyn certainly has a story to tell. The book captures this story vividly, documenting it with numerous illustrations and photographs, some featuring the author herself. In the introduction to the book, she explains some of her choices by referencing her interest in the particularity of a “milieu” surrounding the artist, “with its perpetual mechanism of conversing” (1). Tupitsyn’s story is connected with the tradition of experimental and political art or “art in context,” which, she explains, demonstrably veers away from the concept of aesthetic purity propagated by Clement Greenberg in particular. Bearing in mind the specificity of Tupitsyn’s point of view, the book uncovers layers of history from published and unpublished sources. As a counterbalance to her personal involvement in the history she writes, Tupitsyn aptly quotes liberal philosophers, cultural critics, and art historians from Ernst Bloch to Michel Foucault and her teacher Rosalind Krauss to make or amplify her argument about the experimental nature of avant-garde thinking and production and its continuity through generations of Moscow artists.

The book has seven chapters, roughly a chapter per decade of the narrated history. The first two cover the decades before World War II, before the author’s lifetime. Tupitsyn begins with a story of an ideological and personal rivalry between Kazimir Malevich, the leading painter of nonobjective art, and a certain Evgeny Katsman, his brother-in-law, who turned out to be among the leading propagandists of conservative visual culture, later endorsed by Stalin and the officially supported Academy of Arts. Tupitsyn weaves an intricate narrative based on Katsman’s diaries, which reads almost like a detective novel. It reveals Katsman as a man ruthless in his attempts to destroy his rival both in art and in life, going as far as meeting with Stalin personally to plead the cause against the avant-garde. Tupitsyn makes Katsman’s diary a foil against which she develops her story of the foundation and functioning of such conservative artistic collectives as AKhRR (Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia) and Malevich, the protagonist of the avant-garde’s fight against the reactionary tendencies exemplified by the ideology propagated by Katsman. In this chapter, she touches on the key issues of this standoff: the debate about the teaching tendencies in VKhUTEMAS (Higher Artistic-Technical Workshops); the progressive role of Anatoly Lunacharsky, who promoted avant-gardists in the early 1920s; and the government support behind Die Erste Russische Ausstellung in Berlin in 1922, to which apparently only “left” artists were invited. It was interesting to learn, for example, that AKhRR was founded as a reaction to this exclusion as well as a means to associate with the Wanderers, an established group of nineteenth-century realist painters whose agenda, Tupitsyn insists, was much more progressive in its day than that of AKhRR. Tupitsyn’s listings of AKhRR’s exhibitions and her detailed chronicling of its confrontations with theoreticians affiliated with LEF (Left Front of the Arts) is helpful in reminding the reader of the fundamental difference between the approaches of the “right” and the “left” artistic factions: the rear guard aspired to study the conditions of people’s everyday lives and “depict [them] naturalistically,” while the avant-garde “imagined the proletariat not as subject of art, but as its participatory force” (11). This formulation of the pivotal ideological difference between the conservative and the progressive factions in Soviet art touches on the question of the conservatives’ idealization, the progressives’ utopia, and the loss of the reality principle in both camps. Tupitsyn weaves in the stories about other artists, such as Vladimir Tatlin, Alexander Rodchenko, and El Lissitzky, but in her choosing the Malevich-Katsman rivalry as the guiding thread of her argument, she creates a structure resembling that of a phallic, pre-oedipal standoff. In this dualistic confrontation, the raging competitors need each other in order to release their aggression against one another, but in fact the enemy they fight is invincible, because without it, their existence would be devoid of sense. This penchant toward analyzing art from the political perspective of the fight of the “left” against the “right” without giving the issues of aesthetics any consideration makes Tupitsyn argue against a growing interest of Western scholars in a comprehensive study of Socialist Realism, which she raises in the second chapter of her book.

In line with other histories of Soviet nonconformist art, Tupitsyn locates the possibility for a continuation of the spirit of the avant-garde with the death of Stalin, the concomitant end of terror, and the onset of Khrushchev’s thaw. The period from the 1940s to the 1950s is associated for the author with the resurgent interest of the Moscow artists in abstraction. In chapter 3, the author traces the development of this line of artistic thought in the work of Vladimir Nemukhin, Lydia Masterkova, Vladimir Yankilevsky, among others, including such relatively unknown names in the West as Vladimir Slepian and Mikhail Chernyshov. Artists doing three-dimensional work in open air, such as Francisco Infante, Lev Nussberg, and his Movement Group are also included, as well as early works by Ilya Kabakov and Erik Bulatov. Kabakov and Bulatov are well-known artists who resurface in subsequent chapters dedicated chiefly to performance and immigrant art from the 1970s and continuing through the 1980s and 1990s. While developing a convincing chronology of key exhibitions and events that spurred the development of the underground art scene, Tupitsyn excludes several notable names. In the section on abstractionists, important artists, such as Mikhail Shvartsman, are absent, for example. In the section on immigrant art in New York, a recently deceased Leonid Lamm is missing. This is especially surprising because Tupistyn worked with Lamm, having included him in her Sots Art exhibition at the New Museum in 1986, and authored essays and even a book about him. The reader is left guessing about the criteria of the author’s selection. The book has an index, but at times the page numbers do not correspond to the exact mention of a name, as is the case with the group Medical Hermeneutics.

Tupistyn’s book continues an impressive series of her publications, produced in the course of more than thirty-five years. She has always been a strong voice of support for the kind of art she writes about—politically involved and outspoken—which in many ways reflects her own personality. Perhaps partisanship in writing histories is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, nowadays it may be impossible to write a good history without taking sides and making clear which ideology you support. In this particular book, however, the author pushes this principle to its limit, making the reader wonder what is missing as a result of the personal choices she made.

Natasha Kurchanova Independent Art Historian

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hi! so basically i am doing my ee in visual arts and my topic is influence of traditional art forms on jamini roy and abanindranath tagore's(indian artists) artworks and i was wondering that because i will have to analyse their artworks should i choose 2 for each or 3 and like how do you analyse artworks for an ee, is it different from cs? i'm confused pls help and if u have any feedback on my topic pls let me know. thank you:)

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Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Arts, Design and Contemporary Education (ICADCE 2015)

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  1. 50+ Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics for IBDP

    Art Conservation Techniques: Exploring the methods and challenges of art conservation. Restoration Ethics: Investigating ethical considerations in the restoration of artworks. Preserving Digital Art: Analyzing the strategies for preserving and archiving digital art. These categories offer a broader range of topics for an Extended Essay in ...

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    Choosing a topic for an extended essay is a significant step that directly affects the quality of your work and your grade. I will now give you some ideas that you can use and improve upon as you see fit. Here are Visual Arts Extended Essay topics and research questions to consider: The Influence of Cultural Heritage on Contemporary Aboriginal Art.

  3. IB Visual Arts EE examples

    EE Visual Arts A. To what extent has the Indian culture influenced the architect Gajanan B Mhatre in the design of the Empress court in Mumbai during the British colonization. EE Visual Arts B. An exploration into the theme of motherhood in art during the early Weimar Republic, as seen through the works of Otto Dix and Käthe Kollwitz.

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    List of Visual Arts IB Extended essay topics. Below are some intriguing Visual Arts extended essay topics that can help you kickstart your research: The Significance of Color in Contemporary Art: An Analysis of the Work of Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko. With this topic, the student can begin by researching the use of color in art, its ...

  5. Visual Arts Extended Essay: The Complete Guide for IB Students

    An extended essay in visual arts allows you to conduct study in a particular area of visual arts that is of interest to you. The conclusion of the study should be a clear and structured piece of writing that tackles a topic or research question pertinent to the visual arts in an effective manner.. The strongest EE in arts is the one that demonstrate a thoughtful selection of socially and ...

  6. How to Choose an EE Topic (Visual Arts)

    In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the Extended Essay process from start to finish, especially the synthesis of academic research and first-hand data collection (I surveyed 300 people and interviewed a gallery owner!). My findings also helped inform my IB Visual Arts pieces.

  7. Top Visual Arts IA Topics for IB Students: Ideas Guide

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  8. The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

    References and bibliography. Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories, or IB subject groups, which are as follows: Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature. Group 2: Language Acquisition. Group 3: Individuals and Societies. Group 4: Sciences. Group 5: Mathematics.

  9. IBDP : Visual Arts

    An extended essay in visual arts provides you with an opportunity to undertake research in an area of the visual arts of particular interest to you. 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 ...

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    Next, you will review subject-specific guidance and the Visual Arts extended essay assessment criteria. Then you will explore three examiner-annotated essays to understand how the criteria were applied. ... Self-paced module topics can be hyper-focused and cover topics not normally featured in typical IB professional development workshops and ...

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    These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays. Some examples are: "An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character". "A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery ...

  12. The York School Library: Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay: Visual Arts

    This guide explains the process required to complete the IB Extended Essay. ... Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay; Visual Arts; Search this Guide Search. Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay. This guide explains the process required to complete the IB Extended Essay. Home; Timeline; Reflections; Choose a Subject; Choose a Topic; Draft a Research Question; Develop ...

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    Excellent Extended Essays - Visual Arts. To what extent should Fred Williams be regarded a landscape artist (with focus on the Pilbara Series)? (2014) How far Andy Warhol's interest in morbidity explored in his "Death and Disaster' series? (2014) How does the work of Ketna Patel illustrate the growing impact of media culture on Asian cultures ...

  14. Keystone Academy Libraries: Extended Essay: Visual arts

    A: Focus and method. [6] 5. The essay reaches achievement level 5-6 and deserves the lower mark. The topic of the essay is appropriate, interesting and made sufficiently clear, as is the purpose and focus of the research. The candidate does a good job of frequently bringing the discussion back to the research question.

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    On 7/10/2014 at 8:03 PM, mikaelapapa said: I've decided on my extended essay question for visual arts and it's a comparison of a modern artist to an artist in the renaissance period. But I'm stuck on how to even begin researching or how to format the essay. There's just so much information I want to include and it's overwhelming!

  16. (PDF) IB EXTENDED ESSAY IN VISUAL ARTS Topic: The influence of Frank

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  17. SPECIAL FEATURE: 8th Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art

    It emphasizes the continuity of the tradition of the presence of contemporary art - both International and Russian, in the space of the State Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val." Sergei Tchoban, the architect and author of the exposition design of the Main Project of the 8th Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary Art:

  18. Moscow Vanguard Art: 1922-1992

    It is difficult to assess Margarita Tupitsyn's new book, Moscow Vanguard Art, 1922-1992, because of its strong spirit of partisanship. It covers wide historical ground and brings in a lot of new material gathered from primary sources, but it is also unabashedly selective, its choices circumscribed by the author's personal history. A well-known art historian and curator of Russian and ...

  19. visual arts extended essay

    hi! so basically i am doing my ee in visual arts and my topic is influence of traditional art forms on jamini roy and abanindranath tagore's(indian artists) artworks and i was wondering that because i will have to analyse their artworks should i choose 2 for each or 3 and like how do you analyse ...

  20. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Arts, Design and

    The topics in ICADCE include but are not confined to the following areas: Art: Art history in the field of visual arts, design, music, literature, performing arts and architecture Socio-cultural function of art in contemporary culture Rehabilitation potential of art Analysis of literary text Philosophy of art

  21. YIVO

    (1896-1982; convert to Orthodox Christianity in 1975), Russian linguist and philologist. One of the twentieth century's most versatile and imaginative linguists and literary scholars, Roman Jakobson was born in Moscow.Already in his high-school days—he graduated in 1914 from the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages in Moscow—three hallmarks of his long scholarly career were apparent.