Slavery - Grade 9 Taking Action
SLAVERY
Activity - introduction
In this unit students will view a variety of artwork that deal
with the issue of slavery. They will then use this knowledge to create a piece
of art that expresses a form of slavery found around the world. They will use
techniques they have learned to create a work of art to document their
knowledge of the topic.
Enduring Understandings
1.
•Art
creates meaning and purpose.
2.
•Art
communicates powerful ideas and fosters an understanding of history, culture
and each other.
3.
•Art
develops creative thinking and problem solving skills.
Essential Questions
1.
•How/where
do artists get their ideas?
2.
•What
inspires artists?
3.
•What
choices do artists make?
4.
•How does
art communicate actual experiences?
Objective
Students will:
1.
•examine
how contemporary artists have created works based upon the theme of ‘slavery’
2.
•create a
piece of art that communicates their individual perspective on the theme
3.
•research
and analyze artists and works of art that they find meaningful and
inspirational
4.
•seek out
and compile online resources that provide information on art material usage and
techniques
5.
•form small
instructional cohorts with other students who are using the same materials and
partner in the acquisition of knowledge of materials and ideas
6.
•engage in
the process of self reflection and evaluation
7.
•learn
about different mediums and ways of expression.
8.
•learn
about visual war time art
9.
•learn how
the different marks, textures, colors, etc. can capture the world around them.
10. include
lines, shapes & colors that have expressive and communicative qualities.
11. learn and
apply theories for creating strong visual compositions.
Step 1: Research
We will begin this unit by exploring issues of slavery, both past and present. Begin by searching the internet to find one news article and one selection of literature that talks about slavery or issues related to slavery.
We will begin this unit by exploring issues of slavery, both past and present. Begin by searching the internet to find one news article and one selection of literature that talks about slavery or issues related to slavery.
Literature Research
Here are some literature selections to get you started. You may
use one of the selections below or search the internet to find your own source.
After you have found a selection
that is interesting to you. Print it out and highlight areas in the text that
speak to you. Feel free to write any reflections in the margins of your
printout. Once finished, write down the main ideas that you took away from this
selection in your sketchbook.
Current Events Research
Next search the internet to find
examples of modern day slavery in our world. When searching for articles please
be sure to find information from reputable and reliable sources. Once you have
found an article (or two) that represents an area of modern day slavery that it
interesting to you, print it out. Follow the same highlighting and reflection
procedures described above.
Here is a Canadian definition of
modern slavery:
Below are some organizations that
are actively working to end modern day slavery:
Next, we will view work by a variety of artists who created art
around the theme of slavery. Here is the Powerpoint that we will view in
class. slavery.ppt
Next, search the Internet to find at least 8 examples of artwork that deals with the
idea of slavery. Then, begin to think about which art materials you might like
to work with. Find a couple of examples of
artwork that use the same material in ways that you like. Print out all of your examples and glue them in your sketchbook.
Analysis
Choose one of your images and analyze why you think the piece is
interesting. Type up your responses on your computer and then glue a printout
in your sketchbooks. Also turn one copy in for me.
Here are the items that are required for this analysis:
1.
•Name of
the Artist
2.
•Name of
the Artwork
3.
•Date the
artwork was created
4.
•Subject
matter- What is this piece of artwork all about?
5.
•Selection
of imagery- How do the images relate to the work’s main idea?
6.
•Emphasis-
What is the most important element in the work? How do you know? How does the
artist get the viewer to notice it?
7.
•What art
material(s) did the artist use to create this piece?
8.
•How does
the piece make you feel? Which adjectives would you use to describe the piece?
(Happy, lonely, tragic, magical)
9.
•How
effective is this piece of art? Is it a success or failure? Explain your
reasoning.
10. Which of the elements and principles did the artist include in
their work? Where are these found in the piece?
Step 3: Planning
Start thinking about what form you want your project to take.
Below are some selected forms that your piece might take. You are not required
to use any of these suggestions. They are here just to get you started.
1.
•Using the
literature selections above or ones that you found, create a piece of art that represents
the theme of the writing or depicts something from that selection
2.
•Create an
illustration, drawing, painting, that might accompany a news article about
slavery
3.
•Create an
installation, sculpture, drawing, painting, etc that is inspired by the news
article
When designing your project, please do not select a material or
an idea based upon the perceived ease or difficulty. Make intentional choices
that would best represent your idea.
Here are some questions to help you formulate your ideas:
1.
•What material(s)
do you plan to use for your final work?
2.
•Why do you
plan to use this particular material(s)?
3.
•How does
the material(s) relate to your main idea?
4.
•How do you
plan to use the material(s)?
5.
•What
subject matter do you plan to depict?
6.
•How does
this relate to your main idea?
Step 4: Sketching
Now that you have a seed of an idea, begin to plan out what
shape and form your project will take in your sketchbook. Create at least 4
different versions of
your idea in your book. Your drawings should be dramatically different from one
another. Each one should show a different concept and composition.
Step 5: Research
Reference Materials Research:
You might find that you may need reference materials in order to
help you complete your project. For instance, if I decide that I want to create
a portrait of myself covered in Chinese patterns, I need to find two things.
First, I need a photo of myself. Second, I need to to find out what Chinese
patterns look like.
For your reference materials you may either photograph things
yourself or find images online. If you find images online, you need to
significantly alter it so that: 1. you are not plagiarizing someone else’s work
and 2. you do not violate any copyright laws. See me if you are confused about
the boundaries.
Materials Research and Experimentation:
Everyone will be working with different art materials for this
project. Once you have decided on the material use books and online resources
to help you further explore this material. You may also partner with others who
are using the same material in class in order to teach each other how to use
the materials. All experimentations should be done in your sketchbooks.
Step 6: Executing your idea
Now it’s time to turn your idea into a piece of art. Using your
sketchbook as a guide, give your idea a physical form.
Project Requirements:
1.
Material:
Any
2.
Size: Any
3.
Concept:
Must represent the idea of slavery
4.
Mark
marking: The types of marks that you make must be visually appropriate for the
object you are trying to render and/or be appropriate for the expression of
your ideas.
5.
Project
must demonstrate a good understanding of compositional arrangements
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