This chapter explores the different ways visual art and visual culture are present in the environment and the society. We examine how the environment is portrayed in art and how art can be found in the environment. You will get to test out perspective and think about the art you see in your everyday life.

In the second section, we take a look at architecture and the built envinronment, focusing on your own immediate surroundings such as your neighbourhood and the school. Additionally, we look at different ways of producing sustainable art, and think about environmental issues and their connection to visual culture. Finally, in the last section we focus on how images can influence thought, perception and society as a whole.

You will be testing out different techniques, developing ideas and working both on your own and in a group.


Objectives for this chapter (NCC 2014)

In this chapter, the pupil is encouraged to observe visual art in the environment and explore how the environment is present in art (O1). The pupil is guided to use various materials and techniques in visual production, including collaborative visual work and exploration. The pupil learns about working as a design team, which includes sharing ideas, giving comments and making compromises. (O4, O5.) Discussing and expressing observations and opinions is encouraged, and the pupil practices justifying their opinions. Verbal and visual discussion and expression is encouraged through tasks that require independent thought. (O2, O3.) This chapter includes several tasks where the pupil is encouraged to express their opinions and ideas visually, while putting an emphasis on environmental issues, sustainable development and influencing through images (O6, O10, O11). The pupil will examine the importance of visual arts and visual culture in the community, as well as their impact on both the individual and the society (O8).


Key content areas (NCC 2014) in this chapter

C1 Pupils' own visual cultures: Contents are selected from the visual culture of the pupil through the exploration of immediate surroundings, such as their neighbourhood and the school. Emphasis is placed on the visual phenomena present in the pupils' everyday life, such as the school area, architecture in the city or town, and public art. Pupils are encouraged to select images from their own visual cultures that correspond with the themes of the chapter.

C2 Visual cultures in the environment: The contents are selected from different environments and media cultures, from built environments and the media, especially from surrounding cultures. The significance of diverse environments is discussed in this chapter.

C3 The worlds of visual arts: Contents are selected from different visual cultures such as different cities or areas, and from different cultures. Visual culture is examined from different perspectives, such as the artist and the community. In this chapter, we also look at independent (non-commissioned) public art, and discuss the significance of art outside institutions. A special emphasis is placed on sustainability and the influence of art.