What does representational work involve?

Representational work involves creating visual art that depicts recognizable subjects from the real world, utilizing signs, symbols, or images that stand for something else. This approach allows artists to represent objects, scenes, or figures in a way that viewers can easily identify. This can include traditional forms of representation such as portraiture or landscapes, where the aim is to convey something recognizable and relatable to the audience.

The other options reflect different artistic approaches. Purely abstract forms do not depict recognizable subjects but instead focus on shapes, colors, and forms without direct representation. Using photographic references may be a technique utilized by some artists but does not encompass the broader definition of representational work, as it may still veer into abstract or interpretive realms depending on the intent. Focusing on emotional expression aligns more with subjective or abstract forms of art that prioritize feelings over recognizable subjects, thus differing from the fundamental nature of representational work.