Nine Models of Interpretation

1. Art Historical
2. Symbolic - role an object holds in society
3. Cultural - development of characteristics of an object which can be related to particular cultures - e.g. regional styles.
4. Environmental - role of the physical environment on objects - e.g. natural resources available, etc.
5. Functionalist - the way an object is used
6. Structuralist - how the object was physically made
7. Behaviorist - interaction of the object and behavior patterns
8. Community - interaction of the object and the society which forms/reflects a common viewpoint/character.
9. Social historical - the story of the object itself or provenance

I think these models can be applied to "art" since art really is the product of a culture. By REALLY understanding the artwork and why it was created, we have an avenue to the deeper meanings. This approach can be used when dealing with any work of art, not just contemporary. If it becomes a way to "read" a work that the students become accustomed to, you have given them tools to deal with the visual world for the rest of their lives, and some excellent critical thinking skills!

Submitted by Katherine Walker, Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University.

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/undergradlessons.html