Proposal for Photographic or Illustrative Tableau Depicting Historical Era - Assignment Task

This assessment task is designed to further the student’s skills in investigation, research and planning in order to understand the pathway to successful design solutions. Students are required to form a proposal for the development of a photographic or illustrative tableau, influenced by a historical era, that examines the construction of identity, the nature of representation and the artifice of imagery.

Drawing on the concept of a tableau vivant (French for living picture), a style of artistic presentation whereby a costumed actor (or actors) poses in a theatrically lit scene, you are required to create a proposal for a convincing and compelling tableau. You will visually depict a historical period and place a human element (yourself) within a constructed background using at least 3 symbols or designed objects from that era to establish context. Students are asked to engage with the design process and prepare research documentation, outline a development strategy and show work in progress as part of their design process journal. Please be aware your design process journal submitted in Assessment 2 will continue to be used to document the continued development and final completion of your tableau and form part of your submission in Assessment 3.

The key to any successful creative solution is in the planning as it ensures that your ideas and the final execution are well considered and relevant. Below is a suggested pathway for your investigation.

Identify a period of history that you would like to represent.

Investigate that period – what context do you need to establish?

Audience analysis – who will be viewing this image? And, how can we ensure we are communicating effectively to them?

Based on your initial research, develop concepts for your tableau. In what ways can you convey this story convincingly that helps to express meaning in a engaging way?

Iterate alternative composition options, lighting, graphic effects. clothing, location/background, as well as at least 3 symbols and designed objects that may also be appropriate in establishing the context and story, and therefore meaning behind your tableau. Your tableau can be purely photographic or may combine photographic and digital illustration.

In your design process journal, document your approach to the above stages of research and planning using an array of written and visual methods including, but not limited to, traditional academic research as well as sketching, mood boards, storyboarding, brainstorming, prototyping and photography. Your design process journal should use appropriate academic language where necessary and adhere to APA referencing conventions.