WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Fine Art 2023
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2023 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following Nigerian artists is known for his work in printmaking and plastocast?

A. Ben Enwonwu
B. Bruce Onobrakpeya
C. Lamidi Fakeye
D. Aina Onabolu
Explanation

Bruce Onobrakpeya is renowned for his innovative printmaking techniques, such as plastocast, blending traditional African themes with modern methods.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The element of art that refers to the area around, between, or within objects is

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

Space in art refers to the area around, between, or within objects, which can be positive (occupied) or negative (empty), creating depth and composition.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following is a characteristic of Islamic art?

A. Depiction of human figures in religious contexts
B. Emphasis on geometric patterns and arabesques
C. Use of vibrant, contrasting colors
D. Focus on realistic landscapes
Explanation

Islamic art often avoids human figures in religious contexts, focusing instead on geometric patterns, arabesques, and calligraphy, as seen in mosque decorations.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In traditional Nigerian art, the Kente cloth is associated with which ethnic group?

A. Yoruba
B. Igbo
C. Akan
D. Hausa
Explanation

Kente cloth, though not Nigerian but from the Akan people of Ghana, is often studied in JAMB Fine Art for its cultural significance, featuring vibrant woven patterns symbolizing history and values.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The principle of art that creates a focal point in a composition is

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

Emphasis creates a focal point in a composition, drawing the viewer's attention to a specific area through contrast, color, or placement.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following techniques involves painting with pigments mixed with oil?

A. Fresco
B. Tempera
C. Encaustic
D. Oil painting
Explanation

Oil painting uses pigments mixed with oil (often linseed), allowing for rich colors and blending, a technique popularized during the Renaissance by artists like Jan van Eyck.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In Nigerian art, the Ekpe society masks are associated with which ethnic group?

A. Igbo
B. Efik
C. Yoruba
D. Edo
Explanation

Ekpe society masks are used by the Efik people in Cross River State, associated with the Ekpe secret society, symbolizing authority and spiritual power.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The element of art that refers to a two-dimensional area defined by boundaries is

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

Shape refers to a two-dimensional area defined by boundaries, such as a circle or square, as opposed to a three-dimensional form.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which art movement focused on the depiction of everyday subject matter with a focus on realism?

A. Realism
B. Abstract Expressionism
C. Surrealism
D. Impressionism
Explanation

Realism, a 19th-century movement, focused on depicting everyday subject matter with accuracy and detail, as seen in works by Gustave Courbet.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In traditional African art, the use of raffia in costume design often serves to

A. enhance durability
B. create symbolic textures
C. depict historical events
D. serve as a form of currency
Explanation

Raffia, a natural fiber, is used in African costume design to create symbolic textures, often in masks and costumes, representing spiritual or cultural themes.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

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

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

Linocut is a printmaking technique where a design is carved into a linoleum block, inked, and pressed onto paper, a method popularized in the 20th century.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following is a characteristic of Romantic art?

A. Emphasis on classical symmetry
B. Focus on emotional and sublime themes
C. Use of geometric abstraction
D. Avoidance of natural landscapes
Explanation

Romantic art, from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, focused on emotional and sublime themes, often depicting nature’s power, as seen in works by Caspar David Friedrich.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In Nigerian art, the Owo ivory carvings are associated with which ethnic group?

A. Yoruba
B. Igbo
C. Edo
D. Hausa
Explanation

Owo ivory carvings, depicting royal figures and deities, are a subset of Yoruba art, showcasing their skill in detailed carving techniques.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The principle of art that refers to the size relationship between parts of a whole is

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

Proportion refers to the size relationship between parts of a whole, ensuring realistic or intentional scaling in an artwork.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following artists is associated with the Post-Impressionist movement?

A. Vincent van Gogh
B. Pablo Picasso
C. Salvador Dalí
D. Michelangelo
Explanation

Vincent van Gogh was a Post-Impressionist, a late 19th-century movement that extended Impressionism with more emotional and symbolic content, as seen in *Starry Night*.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In traditional Yoruba art, the Opon Ifa tray is used for

A. serving food during ceremonies
B. divination practices
C. decorating royal palaces
D. weaving traditional fabrics
Explanation

The Opon Ifa tray is a carved wooden tray used by Yoruba diviners (babalawos) in Ifa divination practices, often decorated with symbolic motifs.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The technique of painting on dry plaster with water-based pigments is called

A. fresco secco
B. fresco buono
C. tempera
D. oil painting
Explanation

Fresco secco involves painting on dry plaster with water-based pigments, unlike fresco buono, which is on wet plaster, allowing less durability.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following is a characteristic of Op Art?

A. Emphasis on emotional themes
B. Use of optical illusions and geometric patterns
C. Focus on realistic depictions
D. Avoidance of contrasting colors
Explanation

Op Art, from the 1960s, uses optical illusions and geometric patterns to create visual effects, as seen in works by Bridget Riley.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In Nigerian art, the Eyo festival is associated with which ethnic group?

A. Yoruba
B. Igbo
C. Hausa
D. Ijaw
Explanation

The Eyo festival, held in Lagos, is a Yoruba cultural event featuring masquerades in white costumes, honoring deceased monarchs or dignitaries.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The element of art that refers to the degree of purity or vividness of a color is

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

Intensity refers to the degree of purity or vividness of a color, determining how bright or dull it appears in an artwork.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following is a characteristic of Baroque art?

A. Minimalist forms
B. Dramatic lighting and movement
C. Flat colors
D. Geometric precision
Explanation

Baroque art, from the 17th century, is known for dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro), dynamic movement, and emotional intensity, as seen in Caravaggio's works.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In traditional Igbo art, the uli body painting is used for

A. warfare rituals
B. ceremonial and decorative purposes
C. daily adornment
D. funeral rites only
Explanation

Uli is a traditional Igbo body and wall painting technique using natural dyes for ceremonial decoration, symbolizing beauty and spiritual significance.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The principle of art that involves repetition of elements to create movement is

A. unity
B. rhythm
C. proportion
D. variety
Explanation

Rhythm uses repetition of lines, shapes, or colors to guide the eye and create a sense of organized movement in the composition.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which Nigerian artist is famous for his terracotta sculptures inspired by Nok culture?

A. Yusuf Grillo
B. Sokari Douglas Camp
C. Ben Enwonwu
D. Uche Okeke
Explanation

Ben Enwonwu drew inspiration from Nok terracotta heads in his modern sculptures, blending ancient Nigerian motifs with contemporary forms.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The technique of scratching lines into a surface to create a design is known as

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

Sgraffito involves scratching through one layer of color to reveal another underneath, creating contrast in ceramics or painting.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following is a feature of Cubist art?

A. Soft, blended edges
B. Fragmented forms and multiple viewpoints
C. Vivid impressionistic colors
D. Symmetrical compositions
Explanation

Cubism, pioneered by Picasso and Braque, breaks objects into geometric fragments viewed from multiple angles simultaneously.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In Edo art, the Benin bronze plaques depict

A. abstract geometric patterns
B. historical events and royal figures
C. daily market scenes
D. floral motifs
Explanation

Benin bronze plaques narrate historical events, court life, and royal figures, serving as palace decorations and records.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The element of art that gives the illusion of three dimensions is

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

Form refers to three-dimensional objects with volume and mass, achieved through shading, perspective, or sculpture.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which art movement emphasized the use of pure color and form over realistic representation?

A. Fauvism
B. Realism
C. Baroque
D. Renaissance
Explanation

Fauvism, led by Matisse, used bold, non-naturalistic colors and simplified forms to express emotion, as in *Woman with a Hat*.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In traditional Hausa art, the use of leatherwork in saddles serves to

A. create musical instruments
B. symbolize equestrian status
C. depict religious icons
D. form decorative shields
Explanation

Hausa leatherwork in saddles, often embroidered, symbolizes equestrian status and cultural heritage among nomadic Fulani influences.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The technique of layering thin, translucent glazes for depth is called

A. impasto
B. sfumato
C. chiaroscuro
D. grisaille
Explanation

Sfumato, used by Leonardo da Vinci, involves layering translucent glazes to create soft transitions and depth in oil paintings.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following is a characteristic of Dada art?

A. Harmonious compositions
B. Absurdity and anti-art expressions
C. Classical proportions
D. Pastoral scenes
Explanation

Dada, an early 20th-century movement, used absurdity, collage, and performance to protest war and rationalism, as in Marcel Duchamp's *Fountain*.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In Igbo art, the mbari houses are built to honor

A. ancestral spirits
B. war heroes
C. market deities
D. agricultural gods
Explanation

Mbari houses are temporary mud shrines built by Igbo communities to honor ancestral spirits, featuring elaborate sculptures and murals.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The principle of art that unifies diverse elements is

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

Unity ties together diverse elements through consistency in color, shape, or theme, making the composition cohesive.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which Nigerian artist is known for his abstract paintings influenced by uli patterns?

A. Uche Okeke
B. Yusuf Grillo
C. Sokari Douglas Camp
D. Romuald Hazoumé
Explanation

Uche Okeke, a Zaria Art Society founder, incorporated Igbo uli motifs into abstract paintings, blending tradition with modernism.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The technique of using light and dark to create volume is

A. trompe l'oeil
B. chiaroscuro
C. pointillism
D. divisionism
Explanation

Chiaroscuro uses strong contrasts of light and dark to model three-dimensional forms and create dramatic effects.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which of the following is a feature of Surrealist art?

A. Logical arrangements
B. Dream-like scenes and unexpected juxtapositions
C. Minimalist lines
D. Symmetrical designs
Explanation

Surrealism, influenced by Freud, features dream-like scenes and bizarre juxtapositions, as in Dalí's melting clocks.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

In Tiv art, the swem masks are used in

A. harvest festivals
B. funeral rites
C. initiation ceremonies
D. market days
Explanation

Swem masks among the Tiv symbolize ancestral spirits and are used in initiation ceremonies to educate youth on cultural values.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

The element of art that refers to the surface quality of an object is

A. line
B. color
C. texture
D. shape
Explanation

Texture describes the surface quality, actual (tactile) or implied (visual), adding realism and interest to artworks.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Fine Art · 2023

Which art movement celebrated the machine age with bold, geometric designs?

A. Futurism
B. Art Nouveau
C. Rococo
D. Gothic
Explanation

Futurism, an early 20th-century Italian movement, glorified speed, technology, and modernity through dynamic, geometric forms.

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