Reading an Image

This photography resource is designed to empower KS4 and KS5 art and design students in analysing artists’ works and applying these analytical skills to their own practical endeavors. The accompanying booklet delineates 22 essential topics and provides sentence starters for dissecting the ‘mise en scene’ of an image. These topics are illustrated with examples from contemporary artists such as Gregory Crewdson, Alex Prager, and Gilbert & George. Successfully employed with both GCSE and A-level students in Photography and Graphic Design, the resource aligns with the imperative for GCSE art and design students to “develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.”

Functioning as a cornerstone for the theoretical and literary aspects of the art and design curriculum, this resource encourages students to cultivate a habit of researching others’ works to deepen their comprehension and knowledge. This, in turn, equips students with a broad artistic vocabulary, enabling them to employ subject-specific terminology in analysing artworks with precision. The emphasis on accurate, effective, and analytical writing about their own and others’ artworks contributes to their growth as artistic practitioners.