In this unit students learned about a variety of aspects of the local Peranakan culture through the creation of art.
Peranakan culture was unique to the host school's location and I used art to develop student's understanding of this unique and fascinating culture.
Students of Peranakan origin brought in family cultural items into the classroom and shared these items the class, explaining the meaning, use and significance. Students then conducted further research into the symbolism and motifs used in the decorative arts of Peranakan culture and responded to the traditional motifs using a range of art media.
Peranakan culture was unique to the host school's location and I used art to develop student's understanding of this unique and fascinating culture.
Students of Peranakan origin brought in family cultural items into the classroom and shared these items the class, explaining the meaning, use and significance. Students then conducted further research into the symbolism and motifs used in the decorative arts of Peranakan culture and responded to the traditional motifs using a range of art media.
Researching Peranakan Culture
Peranakan Motif Watercolour Paintings
Here are examples of detailed watercolour paintings inspired by elements of decorative motifs traditionally found on Peranakan tiles, nonyaware, sarong kebaya and beaded slippers. Students focused on developing their colour mixing skills, colour blending and brush control to create the intricate watercolour paintings.
Peranakan Sgrafitto Drawing
Students were given the challenge of experimenting with a range of mark-making techniques to demonstrate texture and form. Students produced intricate drawings using wax crayon and oil pastel inspired by motifs found on Peranakan kebaya and nonyaware.
Collaborative Art Challenge
Students worked in collaboration to create a large-scale artwork based on a traditional Peranakan kamcheng. Students were challenged to design individual sections of the whole piece using only a monochrome colour scheme whilst ensuring that the image was cohesive as a whole. An emphasis was placed on team work, problem solving and creative use of media and techniques.
Student-Led Peranakan Tile Printmaking Workshop
Inspired by a one day workshop with the Peranakan printmaker, Jennifer Lim, students shared their skills and expertise with their peers by preparing for and leading a printmaking workshop. Inspired by the motifs found on traditional Peranakan ceramic tiles, students designed and created repeated print designs.