WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Fine Art 2020
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2020 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which Nigerian art form known for its use of lost-wax casting to create detailed sculptures?

A. Nok terracotta
B. Igbo Ukwu bronzes
C. Yoruba adire textiles
D. Hausa leatherwork
Explanation

Igbo Ukwu bronzes, dating to the 9th century, are known for intricate designs created using lost-wax casting, showcasing advanced metalworking.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The element of art that refers to the arrangement of colors on the spectrum is

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

Hue refers to the pure color on the spectrum, such as red or blue, defining the basic color family without mixing.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following is a characteristic of Roman art?

A. Emphasis on abstract forms
B. Use of realistic portraiture and arches
C. Avoidance of architectural elements
D. Focus on emotional distortion
Explanation

Roman art emphasized realistic portraiture in sculptures and arches in architecture, as seen in structures like the Pantheon.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional Nigerian art, the Ogoni people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. wooden masks with articulated jaws
C. terracotta figures
D. beadwork designs
Explanation

Ogoni wooden masks with articulated jaws are used in festivals to represent spirits, featuring movable parts for expressive performances.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The principle of art that creates a focal point through the use of contrasting elements is

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

Emphasis uses contrast, like light vs. dark, to draw attention to a focal point, guiding the viewer's eye.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following techniques involves applying a thin layer of translucent paint to create a glowing effect?

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

Glazing applies thin, translucent layers over dried paint to build depth and luminosity, common in Renaissance oil painting.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional Nigerian art, the Annang people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. fattening room wall paintings
C. terracotta figures
D. wooden masks
Explanation

Annang fattening room wall paintings feature symbolic motifs during rites for young women, celebrating beauty and maturity.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The element of art that refers to the path traced by a moving point is

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

Line is the path of a moving point, defining edges, suggesting movement, or creating patterns in two-dimensional art.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which art movement is known for its use of collage to critique political and social issues?

A. Dada
B. Fauvism
C. Impressionism
D. Romanticism
Explanation

Dada used collage to satirize society, as in Hannah Höch's works, reacting to World War I's absurdity.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional African art, the use of blue beads often symbolizes

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

Blue beads symbolize protection and warding off evil, common in West African adornments for spiritual safeguarding.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

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 relies on oil and water repulsion, with grease attracting ink to transfer designs from a flat stone or plate.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following is a characteristic of Persian art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human proportions
B. Use of miniature paintings and floral motifs
C. Avoidance of decorative elements
D. Focus on geometric abstraction
Explanation

Persian miniatures feature floral motifs and narrative scenes from poetry, with fine detail in manuscripts like the Shahnameh.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In Nigerian art, the Igbomina people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. Esie stone carvings
C. terracotta figures
D. beadwork designs
Explanation

Igbomina Yoruba are linked to Esie soapstone carvings, over 800 figures from the 13th century, used in ancestor worship.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

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

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

Rhythm uses repetition of lines, shapes, or colors to create visual flow, mimicking musical patterns.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

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

A. Tamara de Lempicka
B. Georges Seurat
C. Henri Matisse
D. Gustav Klimt
Explanation

Tamara de Lempicka’s stylized, geometric portraits epitomize Art Deco’s glamour and modernity in the interwar period.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional Yoruba art, the Oba’s beaded slippers often symbolize

A. fertility
B. royal authority
C. protection
D. harvest
Explanation

The Oba’s beaded crown and slippers symbolize sovereignty, with intricate beadwork signifying power and divine kingship.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The technique of applying dots of color to create an image is called

A. stippling
B. glazing
C. scumbling
D. sgraffito
Explanation

Stippling builds form with dots of varying density, creating texture and illusion of depth, as in Seurat’s Pointillism.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following is a characteristic of Celtic art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human figures
B. Use of interlaced patterns and knotwork
C. Avoidance of decorative elements
D. Focus on geometric abstraction
Explanation

Celtic art features intricate interlacing and knotwork, symbolizing eternity, as in illuminated manuscripts and metalwork.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In Nigerian art, the Edo people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. adire textiles
C. terracotta figures
D. wooden masks
Explanation

Edo (Benin) bronze plaques narrate history and rituals, crafted via lost-wax casting, adorning the palace walls.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

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 evokes mood through associations—warm hues energize, cool ones calm—enhancing emotional depth in art.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which Nigerian artist is known for his contributions to the Oshogbo art movement?

A. Twins Seven-Seven
B. Ben Enwonwu
C. Lamidi Fakeye
D. Aina Onabolu
Explanation

Twins Seven-Seven pioneered the Oshogbo movement, blending Yoruba folklore with intuitive, vibrant paintings.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional African art, the use of yellow pigment often symbolizes

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

Yellow symbolizes wealth and the sun’s life-giving force, often used in adornments for prosperity.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The technique of creating a print by carving into a linoleum block is called

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

Linocut carves designs into linoleum, inking raised areas for relief printing, accessible for bold, graphic art.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following is a characteristic of Korean art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human proportions
B. Use of celadon pottery and ink paintings
C. Avoidance of natural themes
D. Focus on geometric abstraction
Explanation

Korean art features celadon’s jade-green glaze and monochromatic ink landscapes, emphasizing harmony with nature.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In Nigerian art, the Kalabari people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. carved wooden screens
C. terracotta figures
D. beadwork designs
Explanation

Kalabari carved screens depict water spirits and ancestors, used in shrines for protection and storytelling.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The principle of art that refers to the use of opposing elements to create visual interest is

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

Contrast juxtaposes elements like color or texture to heighten visual interest, preventing monotony.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following artists is associated with the Vienna Secession movement?

A. Gustav Klimt
B. Georges Seurat
C. Henri Matisse
D. Wassily Kandinsky
Explanation

Gustav Klimt co-founded the Vienna Secession, advocating for artistic freedom with gold-leaf and symbolic motifs.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional Yoruba art, the Eyo masquerade is typically associated with

A. honoring deceased monarchs
B. celebrating the harvest season
C. marking fertility rites
D. initiating young warriors
Explanation

Eyo masquerades honor deceased obas or dignitaries, with white figures symbolizing purity and farewell in Lagos festivals.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The technique of creating a print by scratching a design into a metal plate with a needle is called

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

Drypoint scratches directly into metal, raising burrs for rich, textured lines, favored for intimate prints.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following is a characteristic of Aboriginal art?

A. Emphasis on realistic human figures
B. Use of dot painting and symbolic motifs
C. Avoidance of natural themes
D. Focus on geometric abstraction
Explanation

Aboriginal dot painting uses symbols for Dreamtime stories, mapping sacred landscapes and ancestral paths.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In Nigerian art, the Bini people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. adire textiles
C. terracotta figures
D. wooden masks
Explanation

Bini (Benin) bronze plaques narrate palace history, crafted with lost-wax technique, symbolizing power.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

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

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

Color contrast, via complementary hues, creates vibrancy and directs focus, enhancing compositional dynamics.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which art movement is known for its focus on spontaneity and emotional expression?

A. Abstract Expressionism
B. Realism
C. Neoclassicism
D. Romanticism
Explanation

Abstract Expressionism prioritized raw emotion through spontaneous gestures, as in Pollock’s action paintings.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional African art, the use of green pigment often symbolizes

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

Green symbolizes fertility, growth, and life force, linked to vegetation and renewal in rituals.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

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 presses ink into grooves on a plate, wiped clean, for deep, rich impressions, including engraving.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following is a characteristic of Gothic sculpture?

A. Emphasis on static, balanced forms
B. Use of elongated figures and religious themes
C. Avoidance of architectural elements
D. Focus on abstract shapes
Explanation

Gothic sculpture elongated figures for spiritual height, with religious themes adorning cathedrals like Notre-Dame.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In Nigerian art, the Ijebu people are known for their

A. bronze plaques
B. agemo masquerades
C. terracotta figures
D. beadwork designs
Explanation

Ijebu agemo masquerades feature elaborate costumes in annual festivals honoring the deity, blending performance and ritual.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

The principle of art that refers to the arrangement of elements to create a sense of stability is

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

Balance arranges elements for equilibrium—symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial—to evoke stability.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

Which of the following artists is associated with the Ashcan School?

A. John Singer Sargent
B. Robert Henri
C. Mary Cassatt
D. Norman Rockwell
Explanation

Robert Henri led the Ashcan School, depicting gritty urban realism, contrasting idealized art.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2020

In traditional Yoruba art, the Gelede mask is used to

A. honor ancestors
B. appease female spirits
C. initiate warriors
D. celebrate harvest
Explanation

Gelede masks appease 'great mothers' spirits, promoting fertility and community harmony through dance.

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