Secondary Catalogue

American pop artists such as Andy Warhol were inspired by their firsthand experiences of mass production and consumerism. This video explores the historical context behind the birth of American Pop Art, from its beginnings in the post-war economic boom and how it was influenced by the rise of pop culture and the cult of celebrity. A helpful introduction for secondary and tertiary students of art history. Show Less

Surrealist artists such as Salvador Dalí created art that reflected the horrors of war and the traumas buried in the unconscious mind. This video explores the historical context behind the rise of Surrealism, discussing ideas and events such as World War I and Dada, Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis and the Spanish Civil War and fascism. A helpful introduction for secondary and tertiary students of art history. Show Less

Abstract Expressionists such as Jackson Pollock represented the liberal ideals of freedom of speech and self-expression in the United States. This video explores the historical context behind the birth of American Abstract Expressionism, discussing the influence of the Guggenheims in New York, the Cold War and communism and Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes. A helpful introduction for secondary students of art history. Show Less

The element of colour is defined and described in this video using colourful animation and the examination of artworks, including Vasily Kandinsky’s ‘Painting with Green Center’, Paul Cézanne’s ‘Still Life with Apples and a Pot of Primrose’ and ‘The Annunciation’ by Jean Hey, known as The Master of Moulins. An informative introduction for junior to middle secondary students studying visual arts. Show Less

The element of tone is defined and described in this video using colourful animation and the examination of Thérèse Schwartze’s ‘Studies van handen’, Artemisia Gentileschi’s ‘Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes’ and ‘The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour, Scroll Three: Ji'nan to Mount Tai’ by Wang Hui. An informative introduction for junior to middle secondary students studying visual arts. Show Less

The element of form is defined and described in this video using colourful animation and the examination of Stever’s ‘Vanitas Still Life’, ‘Rocking Chair’ by Harvey Ellis and ‘Pendant with a Triton Riding a Unicorn-like Sea Creature’ by Reinhold Vasters. An informative introduction for junior to middle secondary students studying visual arts. Show Less

The element of texture is defined and described in this video using colourful animation and the examination of artworks including Rosa Bonheur’s cast bronze, ‘Shorn Ewe’, ‘The Threatened Swan’ by Jan Asselijn and Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Wheat Field with Cypresses’. An informative introduction for junior to middle secondary students studying visual arts. Show Less

The element of space is defined and described in this video using colourful animation and the examination of the artwork ‘Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul’ by Rembrandt van Rijn, and illustrations ‘Beach House with old car on deserted beach’ by Charles Harker and ‘African woman over sunset and city skyline’ (Buena Vista Images). An informative introduction for junior to middle secondary students studying visual arts. Show Less

The element of shape is defined and described in this video using colourful animation and the examination of artworks, including ‘The Swan (No. 17) by Hilma af Klint, ‘Arrival of the Normandy Train, Gare Saint-Lazare’ by Claude Monet and Paul Gauguin’s ‘The Siestaca’. An informative introduction for junior to middle secondary students studying visual arts. Show Less

The element of line is defined and described in this video using colourful animation and the examination of the artworks ‘Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray’ by Piet Mondrian, Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat’ and an example of Pablo Picasso’s famous 1949 light drawings. An informative introduction for junior to middle secondary students studying visual arts. Show Less

In this short animation, students learn how artist Frida Kahlo celebrated indigenous Mexican culture and highlighted social inequalities by making herself the subject of her own art. When children learn about inspirational people who embody key global competencies and traits, like equality, empathy, curiosity and communication, they are inspired to become the change they want to see. Show Less

Discover who the Celts were and what types of art they produced in this engaging and light-hearted programme. From metalwork to illuminated manuscripts to iconic knotted patterns, the world of Celtic art has a rich history that continues to amaze today. Our animated friend Norman steers an entertaining ride through Celtic history and culture, art mediums and materials, and the distinctive visual features and techniques of this art style. Show Less

From emakimono to manga, ukiyo-e to shodo, yamato-e to origami – the world of Japanese art is steeped in history, and it continues to amaze today. Our animated friend Norman steers an entertaining ride through the characteristics, history and cultural context of the main traditional forms of Japanese art, including some of the more unusual ones, and finishes with a look at art in modern Japan. Show Less

Learning to take great pictures begins with a solid understanding of camera settings and the effects they produce. This introduction to how a digital camera works looks at lens types, focus, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and exposure. Follow along as our photographer provides helpful explanations and visual examples of these camera basics. Show Less

Understanding the effect of different lighting conditions on a subject and knowing how to compose a balanced image are key skills for any photographer. How these elements work together can be complex, but learning how to achieve different outcomes will make your photography more interesting and fun. This programme explores how lighting, composition and shooting techniques are combined to create the final image. Show Less

Photoshop has been described as a digital darkroom. Its range of brushes, palettes, filters and tools can be overwhelming, and taking time to experiment and get familiar with its interface is important if you are to get the most out of it. Here we explore some of the fundamental techniques of Photoshop. Show Less

America’s Indigenous peoples are not amazing simply because they gave the world popcorn (although it is pretty amazing). They also developed diverse artistic forms and traditions, ranging from the practical to the ceremonial. Richly visual and densely informative, this introduction to Southwest American Indian art explores the culture and artistic expression of distinct nations including the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache. Show Less

Say ‘kia ora’ to the indomitable Maori peoples and learn about their eye-catching artistic forms and practices. This is a visual feast that begins with the Maori migration to The Land of the Long White Cloud and ends in present day New Zealand, where time-tested art making methods are still practiced. This celebration of Maori art reveals a vibrant and enduring tradition that intertwines beauty, belief, strength and fear. Show Less

Adventurers might still be on the hunt for El Dorado, the fabled city of gold, but there’s plenty of treasure right here in this engaging introduction to the gold-loving, sun-adoring, llama-farming Incas and their art. Comprising a host of materials and methods, the artistic creations of the mysterious Inca run the full gamut from the practical to the ceremonial, and viewers are offered a lavish overview. Show Less

Want to impress your pals with your Renaissance art knowledge?! Our enthusiastic, art history loving narrator breaks down the context, key artists and art features that defined the Renaissance period. Filled with fast paced banter between our expert and his reluctant sidekick, this is a light, entertaining and contemporary take on the topic, sure to resonate with students. Show Less

It’s hard to believe paintings of water lilies could be controversial, but that was exactly the case for the Impressionists. This is the story of a group of rebellious artists whose unconventional style stunned French critics and became the first movement in modern art. Narrated by an enthusiastic art history fan and his uninformed sidekick, this is a fun and contemporary take on the topic, sure to appeal to secondary school audiences. Show Less