TRANSFORMATIONS- MULTIDISCIPLINARY UNIT

In this unit students responded to the theme of 'transformations' by exploring a variety of art disciplines and experimenting with a number of techniques, processes and materials whilst investigating the work of a range of artists.

The skills of problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration were a focus of this unit.

Critical thinking

In response to the 1968 'Untitled' artwork by artist Louise Nevelson, students used the critical thinking routine 'see, think, wonder' in order to gain an understanding and appreciation of assemblage art. Observing and describing, reasoning with evidence, and questioning and investigating were the main focus. Students shared their ideas with the class and were asked to justify and explain their findings using evidence.

Following the artist investigation, students began developing ideas to create a piece of collaborative assemblage art in response to the work of Louise Nevelson.

Artful thinking routines from Harvard Graduate School 'Project Zero'.

Problem solving

Students were set the challenge of using only a strip of paper to create new and interesting 3D sculptural forms and to develop a series of observational drawings of these sculptures to demonstrate their ability to use the formal elements of shape, form and tone.

Exhibition gallery guides

Students took on the role of Museum Education Officers and were tasked with researching, designing and creating a gallery guide for a fictional exhibition of the work of assemblage artist Louise Nevelson.

Students had to think carefully about their target audience as well as visual and written forms of communication.

Collaborative assemblage art

Inspired by their investigations into the assemblage art of Louise Nevelson, students worked in class groups to design, plan and create a collaborative piece of sustainable assemblage art.

Students were only allowed to use found, recycled and donated materials to create their piece, even the canvases were re-purposed from unwanted and damaged artwork. An emphasis was placed on sustainability, using resources which would have ended up in landfill to create artwork.

Students had to give careful consideration to the formal elements and composition of the piece to include contributions from all members of the group.

Planning and developing ideas

Large scale class collaborative assemblage canvas 'Red Destiny' 2019

Large scale class collaborative assemblage canvas 'The Blue Bomb' 2019

Large scale class collaborative assemblage canvas

Problem solving

Students were set the challenge of using only pre-cut strips of paper and glue to create 3D sculptural forms. Within a set of tight rules and constraints students were able to set the challenge of creating unique and innovative sculptures demonstrating their understanding of colour, shape and form.

After creating the sculptures students were given the second challenge of creating a series of artworks using the forms and shapes of the negative space as inspiration.