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JAMB Fine Art 2018
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2018 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which Nigerian ethnic group is renowned for its intricately woven raffia hats used in ceremonial dances?

A. Urhobo
B. Igala
C. Nupe
D. Idoma
Explanation

The Urhobo people of the Niger Delta are celebrated for their intricately woven raffia hats, which are worn during ceremonial dances to honor ancestors and deities. These hats, crafted with detailed patterns, are a significant part of Urhobo cultural expression, used in festivals and rituals to showcase artistry and heritage.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The use of foreshortening in a drawing is primarily to achieve

A. symmetry in composition
B. an illusion of depth and perspective
C. a balanced color scheme
D. a sense of rhythm in the design
Explanation

Foreshortening is a drawing technique where objects or figures are depicted as shorter than their actual size to create the illusion of depth and perspective. By altering proportions based on the viewer’s angle, artists make objects appear to recede into space, as seen in Renaissance paintings like Michelangelo’s *The Last Judgment*, enhancing three-dimensionality on a flat surface.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of Byzantine mosaics?

A. Depicting realistic human emotions
B. Celebrating secular themes and daily life
C. Conveying spiritual symbolism with gold backgrounds
D. Emphasizing naturalistic landscapes
Explanation

Byzantine mosaics, prevalent from the 4th to 15th centuries, primarily focused on conveying spiritual symbolism, often using gold backgrounds to represent divine light and the heavenly realm. Found in churches like the Hagia Sophia, these mosaics depicted religious figures and scenes to inspire reverence, emphasizing spiritual significance over realistic or secular themes.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In traditional African art, the use of ivory carvings often signifies

A. spiritual protection
B. high status and wealth
C. agricultural abundance
D. communal unity
Explanation

In traditional African art, ivory carvings, such as those from the Benin Kingdom, signify high status and wealth due to the material’s rarity and difficulty to procure. Reserved for royalty or elites, these carvings, like intricately crafted masks or figurines, symbolized prestige and economic power, distinguishing them from symbols of protection or unity.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The principle of art that refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition is

A. rhythm
B. balance
C. proportion
D. emphasis
Explanation

Balance is the principle of art that involves the distribution of visual weight in a composition to create stability. Achieved through symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements, balance ensures that elements like shapes or colors are harmoniously placed, as seen in artworks where objects are evenly distributed to avoid visual tension.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which technique involves creating a design by scratching through a top layer of paint to reveal a contrasting color beneath?

A. Impasto
B. Sgraffito
C. Glazing
D. Stippling
Explanation

Sgraffito is a technique where artists scratch through a top layer of paint or plaster to reveal a contrasting color underneath, creating intricate designs. Commonly used in ceramics and murals, this method allows for detailed patterns, as seen in Italian Renaissance wall decorations, enhancing texture and visual contrast.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In Nigerian art, the Ebira people are known for their

A. woven raffia mats
B. bronze plaques
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Ebira (Igbira) people of Kogi State are renowned for their woven raffia mats, which are used in cultural ceremonies and as household items. These mats, crafted with skilled weaving techniques, reflect the Ebira’s artistic heritage and are integral to their social and ritual practices, distinguishing them from bronze or terracotta works.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The element of art that refers to a three-dimensional object with height, width, and depth is

A. shape
B. form
C. space
D. texture
Explanation

Form is the element of art that describes a three-dimensional object with height, width, and depth, such as a sculpture or architectural structure. Unlike shape, which is two-dimensional, form occupies space and can be viewed from multiple angles, as in a carved wooden statue, making it a key aspect of sculptural art.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which art movement emphasized the use of fragmented forms and multiple perspectives to depict subjects?

A. Cubism
B. Impressionism
C. Surrealism
D. Romanticism
Explanation

Cubism, developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th century, emphasized fragmented forms and multiple perspectives to depict subjects, breaking them into geometric shapes. This approach, seen in works like Picasso’s *Les Demoiselles d’Avignon*, allowed artists to represent objects from various angles simultaneously, revolutionizing modern art.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In traditional African art, the use of brass in sculpture often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. durability and permanence
C. mourning
D. celebration
Explanation

Brass in traditional African sculpture, particularly in Benin art, symbolizes durability and permanence due to its strength and resistance to corrosion. Used in objects like commemorative heads, brass sculptures were crafted to last across generations, signifying enduring legacy and authority, unlike symbols of fertility or mourning.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The technique of creating a print by forcing ink through a mesh screen onto a surface is called

A. woodcut
B. silkscreen printing
C. etching
D. lithography
Explanation

Silkscreen printing involves forcing ink through a mesh screen onto a surface, using stencils to create designs. Popularized by artists like Andy Warhol for works like his *Marilyn Monroe* series, this technique allows for vibrant, repeatable prints, making it a versatile method in modern art production.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following best describes the focus of Chinese art during the Tang Dynasty?

A. Emphasis on abstract geometric forms
B. Celebration of Buddhist themes and ceramics
C. Avoidance of figurative representation
D. Focus on realistic portraiture
Explanation

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Chinese art focused on celebrating Buddhist themes and ceramics, reflecting the period’s religious and cultural prosperity. Intricate sculptures of Buddha and sancai (three-color) glazed pottery, like horse figurines, showcased technical mastery and spiritual devotion, making this the defining focus of Tang art.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In Nigerian art, the Ijaw people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. carved wooden paddles
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Ijaw people of the Niger Delta are known for their carved wooden paddles, often adorned with symbolic motifs reflecting their riverine lifestyle. These paddles, used in ceremonies and as artistic expressions, highlight the Ijaw’s connection to waterways, distinguishing them from bronze or terracotta traditions.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The principle of art that refers to the repetition of elements to create a sense of flow is

A. balance
B. rhythm
C. contrast
D. proportion
Explanation

Rhythm is the principle of art that involves the repetition of elements, such as lines, shapes, or colors, to create a sense of flow and movement. This repetition guides the viewer’s eye through the composition, as seen in patterns on textiles or repeated figures in a mural, enhancing visual cohesion.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following artists is associated with the De Stijl movement?

A. Piet Mondrian
B. Salvador Dalí
C. Claude Monet
D. Vincent van Gogh
Explanation

Piet Mondrian was a leading figure in the De Stijl movement, a Dutch art movement of the early 20th century that emphasized geometric abstraction and primary colors. His works, like *Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow*, used horizontal and vertical lines to create balanced, minimalist compositions, defining the movement’s aesthetic.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In traditional Yoruba art, the use of a carved wooden tray in Ifa divination symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual communication
C. royal authority
D. harvest celebration
Explanation

In Yoruba art, the carved wooden tray, known as Opon Ifa, is used in Ifa divination to facilitate spiritual communication with Orunmila, the deity of wisdom. The tray’s intricate designs and sacred palm nuts aid priests in interpreting divine messages, making it a symbol of spiritual connection rather than fertility or royalty.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The technique of creating a design by applying layers of wax and dye to fabric is called

A. batik
B. tie-dye
C. adire
D. embroidery
Explanation

Batik is a textile technique where layers of wax are applied to fabric to resist dye, creating intricate designs when the wax is removed. Widely practiced in cultures including Nigeria, batik allows for detailed patterns, as seen in traditional Yoruba textiles, distinguishing it from tie-dye or adire, which use different methods.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following best describes the focus of Romanesque art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human proportions
B. Use of religious themes with rounded arches
C. Avoidance of architectural elements
D. Focus on abstract forms
Explanation

Romanesque art, from the 10th to 12th centuries, focused on religious themes, characterized by rounded arches in architecture and sculpture. Found in churches like Saint-Sernin, this art used biblical imagery and robust designs to convey spiritual messages, emphasizing faith over realistic proportions or abstraction.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In Nigerian art, the Jukun people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. wooden statues with elongated forms
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Jukun people of Nigeria’s Middle Belt are known for their wooden statues with elongated forms, often used in ancestral worship. These sculptures, with stylized, stretched proportions, reflect Jukun spiritual beliefs and artistic traditions, distinguishing them from bronze or terracotta works associated with other groups.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The element of art that refers to the brightness or dullness of a color is

A. hue
B. value
C. intensity
D. texture
Explanation

Intensity is the element of art that describes the brightness or dullness of a color, indicating its vividness or saturation. A high-intensity color, like bright red, stands out vividly, while a low-intensity color, like muted gray, appears duller, affecting the visual impact of an artwork.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which Nigerian artist is known for his wood carvings that blend traditional Yoruba themes with Christian iconography?

A. Lamidi Fakeye
B. Uche Okeke
C. Bruce Onobrakpeya
D. Demas Nwoko
Explanation

Lamidi Fakeye is a renowned Nigerian artist celebrated for his wood carvings that seamlessly blend traditional Yoruba themes with Christian iconography. His works, such as carved church doors depicting biblical scenes with Yoruba stylistic elements, reflect a fusion of cultural and religious narratives, making him a significant figure in Nigerian art.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In traditional African art, the use of feathers in costume design often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual connection
C. mourning
D. harvest
Explanation

In traditional African art, feathers in costume design symbolize a spiritual connection, often representing the wearer’s ability to communicate with the divine or ancestral spirits. Used in ceremonial masks and regalia across cultures like the Yoruba and Igbo, feathers signify a link to the spiritual realm, enhancing ritual significance.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The technique of creating a print by pressing ink into incised lines on a metal plate is called

A. relief printing
B. intaglio printing
C. planographic printing
D. stencil printing
Explanation

Intaglio printing involves pressing ink into incised lines on a metal plate, then wiping the surface clean to transfer the image to paper. Techniques like etching and engraving, used by artists like Rembrandt, rely on this method to produce detailed prints with rich linework, distinguishing it from relief or stencil printing.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following best describes the focus of ancient Egyptian wall paintings?

A. Depicting realistic landscapes
B. Celebrating daily life and afterlife beliefs
C. Emphasizing abstract geometric forms
D. Avoiding human figures
Explanation

Ancient Egyptian wall paintings, such as those in the Valley of the Kings, focused on celebrating daily life and afterlife beliefs. These artworks depicted scenes of the deceased’s activities, rituals, and journey to the afterlife, ensuring their immortality, as seen in tomb decorations for pharaohs like Tutankhamun.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In Nigerian art, the Kanuri people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. embroidered caps
C. terracotta figures
D. wooden masks
Explanation

The Kanuri people of northeastern Nigeria are renowned for their embroidered caps, which are intricately designed and worn during ceremonies. These caps, often featuring colorful patterns, reflect the Kanuri’s textile expertise and cultural identity, distinguishing them from bronze or terracotta traditions.

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Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The principle of art that creates visual interest through differences in elements is

A. balance
B. contrast
C. rhythm
D. harmony
Explanation

Contrast is the principle of art that creates visual interest by juxtaposing different elements, such as light and dark, large and small, or smooth and textured. This difference draws attention and adds dynamism, as seen in paintings where bright colors contrast with muted tones to highlight focal points.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following artists is associated with the Bauhaus movement?

A. Wassily Kandinsky
B. Salvador Dalí
C. Claude Monet
D. Vincent van Gogh
Explanation

Wassily Kandinsky was a key figure in the Bauhaus movement, a German art school (1919-1933) that integrated crafts, fine arts, and functional design. His abstract works, like *Composition VIII*, emphasized color and form, aligning with Bauhaus principles of innovation and abstraction, influencing modern art and design.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In traditional Yoruba art, the use of a carved wooden bowl in rituals often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual offering
C. royal authority
D. harvest celebration
Explanation

In Yoruba art, a carved wooden bowl is often used in rituals to hold offerings, symbolizing a spiritual offering to deities or ancestors. These bowls, intricately designed, serve as vessels for items like kola nuts or palm oil, facilitating communication with the divine during ceremonies, as in offerings to deities like Ọṣun.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The technique of creating a print by carving into a woodblock and inking the raised areas is called

A. woodcut
B. etching
C. lithography
D. silkscreen
Explanation

Woodcut is a printmaking technique where a design is carved into a woodblock, with the raised areas inked and pressed onto paper. A traditional method used in cultures like Japan for ukiyo-e prints, woodcut produces bold, graphic images, distinguishing it from etching or lithography.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following best describes the focus of Islamic art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human figures
B. Use of calligraphy and geometric patterns
C. Avoidance of decorative elements
D. Focus on naturalistic landscapes
Explanation

Islamic art, spanning centuries, focuses on calligraphy and geometric patterns, often avoiding human figures due to religious aniconism. Intricate designs, like those in the Alhambra’s tile work, use Arabic script and tessellations to express beauty and spirituality, reflecting devotion and mathematical precision.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In Nigerian art, the Tiv people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. carved wooden stools
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Tiv people of Nigeria’s Middle Belt are known for their carved wooden stools, often used in ceremonies and featuring symbolic designs like animals or geometric patterns. These stools reflect Tiv cultural values and craftsmanship, distinguishing them from bronze or terracotta works associated with other groups.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The element of art that refers to the use of colors to create mood is

A. color
B. value
C. texture
D. space
Explanation

Color is the element of art that influences mood through its hues, with warm colors like red evoking energy and cool colors like blue creating calmness. Artists use color strategically, as in Van Gogh’s vibrant *Starry Night*, to convey emotions and enhance the emotional impact of their work.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which art movement focused on the depiction of light and its effects through loose brushwork?

A. Impressionism
B. Cubism
C. Surrealism
D. Romanticism
Explanation

Impressionism, a 19th-century movement, focused on capturing light and its fleeting effects using loose brushwork and vibrant colors. Artists like Claude Monet, in works like *Impression, Sunrise*, depicted scenes with quick, visible strokes to convey momentary impressions of light and atmosphere.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In traditional African art, the use of copper in jewelry often symbolizes

A. fertility
B. spiritual protection
C. wealth
D. mourning
Explanation

In traditional African art, copper in jewelry symbolizes wealth due to its value as a metal. Among cultures like the Akan in West Africa, copper adornments signify economic status and prestige, worn by elites to display affluence, distinguishing it from symbols of fertility or protection.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The technique of creating a print by using a flat surface treated with grease and water is called

A. woodcut
B. etching
C. lithography
D. silkscreen
Explanation

Lithography is a printmaking technique that uses a flat surface, typically a stone or metal plate, treated with grease and water to create prints. The grease attracts ink, while water repels it, allowing for detailed image transfer, as used by artists like Toulouse-Lautrec for posters.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following best describes the focus of ancient Greek pottery?

A. Emphasis on abstract geometric forms
B. Depiction of mythological scenes and figures
C. Avoidance of human figures
D. Focus on realistic landscapes
Explanation

Ancient Greek pottery, from the 8th to 4th centuries BC, focused on depicting mythological scenes and figures, such as gods, heroes, and epic narratives. Using black-figure and red-figure techniques, potters illustrated stories like the Labors of Hercules, making pottery a storytelling medium.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In Nigerian art, the Berom people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. tin mining-inspired art
C. terracotta figures
D. beaded jewelry
Explanation

The Berom people of the Jos Plateau are known for their tin mining-inspired art, creating objects like sculptures and tools that reflect their historical connection to tin mining. This art form integrates cultural motifs with references to their mining heritage, distinguishing it from bronze or terracotta traditions.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

The principle of art that ensures all elements in a composition work together cohesively is

A. variety
B. unity
C. emphasis
D. movement
Explanation

Unity is the principle of art that ensures all elements in a composition—such as color, shape, and texture—work together cohesively to create a harmonious whole. Seen in works like traditional African textiles, unity ties diverse elements into a visually coherent piece, enhancing its overall impact.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

Which of the following artists is associated with the Op Art movement?

A. Bridget Riley
B. Salvador Dalí
C. Claude Monet
D. Vincent van Gogh
Explanation

Bridget Riley is a leading figure in the Op Art movement of the 1960s, which used optical illusions and geometric patterns to create visual effects. Her works, like *Movement in Squares*, manipulate perception through precise patterns, creating a sense of motion and depth, defining the movement’s aesthetic.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Fine Art · 2018

In traditional Yoruba art, the use of a carved wooden mask in masquerade performances symbolizes

A. royal authority
B. spiritual embodiment
C. agricultural prosperity
D. communal celebration
Explanation

In traditional Yoruba art, carved wooden masks used in masquerade performances, such as those in Egungun festivals, symbolize spiritual embodiment. These masks represent ancestors or deities, allowing performers to channel their presence during rituals, connecting the community with the spiritual realm.

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