Secondary Catalogue

Aboriginal art is world-renowned when it comes to dot paintings. There is, however, an incredible diversity of Aboriginal art outside of this style. Focusing on materials and practice, this interview-based programme explores the relationship between country, perspectives and context, materials and process, technique, style, and the Aboriginal art industry. We talk with urban and traditional Aboriginal artists from across the country, including Brook Andrew; Bindi Cole; desert artist, Otto; Australian art historian, Dr Susan Lowish; curator, Phillip Batty; and those involved in production on Aboriginal communities. Perfect for senior secondary and TAFE students in the fields of fine art, art history and cultural studies, this production looks at the many methods and mediums used in the production of Aboriginal art. Show Less

Aboriginal art is world-renowned when it comes to dot paintings. There is, however, an incredible diversity of Aboriginal art outside of this style. Focusing on philosophy and culture, this interview-based programme explores what is meant by ‘Aboriginal art’, inspiration and influence, interpretation and symbolism, and meanings and messages. It also investigates the cultural functions of art. We talk with urban and traditional Aboriginal artists from across the country, including Brook Andrew; Bindi Cole; desert artist, Otto; Australian art historian, Dr Susan Lowish; and curator Phillip Batty. Perfect for senior secondary and TAFE students in the fields of fine art, art history and cultural studies, this production digs beneath the surface to explore the rich complexity and cultural significance of Aboriginal art practices. 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

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

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

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

This programme takes us inside three very different Australian galleries - the Sutton Gallery, the Heide Museum of Modern Art, and the National Gallery in Canberra - in order to gain a better understanding of how visual art is presented, promoted, and marketed in Australia. Through on-camera interviews, students meet relevant spokespeople from Australia’s art industry, such as gallery directors, curators and marketing managers. We learn about the key differences between public, private, and commercial galleries. 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

'Framed' is about our fascination with faces. It’s about portraits. But what is a portrait? Of course it’s the famous painting on the gallery wall and the notorious candidate for the Archibald Prize. But isn’t it also the cherished photograph you have in your wallet, at your place of work, by your bed? Isn’t it the pin-up on the teenager’s wall or the teenager themselves, posted on the pages of Facebook? Featuring interviews with portrait artists and photographers, sitters and ordinary people, the documentary explores the way we feel about portraits, and the changing nature of the portrait in the modern world. Show Less

This programme explores the work of seven young designers who employ a variety of media and materials, conveying a fascinating insight into their work and the techniques they employ. It inspires viewers to reflect on their own attitudes towards design, creativity, and functionality. 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

While Lee Whitmore has contributed animation sequences to many feature films, shorts and documentaries, it is her body of four short personal works that are her most unique and original work. The four films are linked through the intimate moments of family life that they depict, the memories they record, and the nostalgic mood of yearning they evoke. The four films use a variety of technical styles, but all are united in a free-flowing, loosely drawn style that is Lee Whitmore’s signature. Traces of Jacques Tati and Yasujiro Ozu can be readily identified in her work, but her whimsical humour, and quiet attention to detail and small gestures are distinctly her own. The programme also includes an in-depth interview with lee Whitmore about her work, and a discussion of the making of each short film. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WARNING: This film contains nudity. Teachers are advised to view the film and use their discretion to determine the suitability of the programme for their students. Five Women. Five Artists. One City. In this "lyrical documentary about the intersection of location and imagination" (The New York Times), filmmaker Chiara Clemente shines a light on five women artists whose inspiration is fueled by living in the “cauldron of creativity” – New York City. The artists – Nancy Spero, Marina Abramovic, Kiki Smith, Ghada Amer and Swoon – are at different stages of life and have widely varying cultural backgrounds; each has a distinctive passion, character, motivation and artistic style. But they all have one thing in common: the city to which they have journeyed and now call home. Show Less

Want to take better pictures? Gripping and arresting images that grab a viewer and transports them to another place? Good composition is the bottom line of good photography. This excellent programme covers ten simple 'rules' for better composition - the arrangement of elements in the picture. They range from the most basic choices of framing, to perspective and the often quoted 'rule of thirds'. The programme concludes with four photo assignments that show solutions to common picture problems. This is a practical and enlightening look at the basics of photographic composition with excellent information for students of all levels and abilities. Show Less

This program is a comprehensive introduction to lighting in photography. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the best results through understanding the features of hard and soft light. Students are encouraged to apply the techniques to their own photography. The program is conveniently divided into three chapters for easy reference and comprises of indoor, outdoor and studio lighting. This is essential viewing for everyone interested in enhancing their photographic skills. Show Less

Most cameras can do a good job in automatic mode, but there are times when you may want to take control yourself. You may have artistic reasons, or it might simply be that you don't like the results in auto. This video explains the four key elements at the heart of all cameras - lens, aperture, shutter and the sensor. Perfect for learners with no prior knowledge of art or photography, this is an engaging look at the classic principles of photography. Show Less