This is one of two bulletin boards on either side of the whiteboard in the front of my classroom. It will remain there for the first semester and is designed to teach my students the basics of "visual literacy".
Most artwork is communicating a thought, idea or concept. It is a learned skill to be able to disect artwork into the parts and clues that enable the viewer to understand that concept. Too many people feel unable to appreciate artwork. The reason for this is that artists are speaking a visual language that the viewer may not understand.
The questions on the bulletin board are broad questions that ask my students:
What do you see? How are things put together? What is the artist trying to say? What do you think of the work? Why? These questions move from the literal to interpretive level and engage my students to consider a range of questions.
Each time I present a new artwork to my students they are reminded that the first step is to look and think. I move them through a series of questions that begin at the knowledge level (Bloom's) and usually end at the analysis level. However, I always take a few minutes at the end of our question and answer session to encourage my students to evaluate the artwork on an individual level. The evaluation process develops a savvy art maker who can make critical decisions in making their own artwork, and art viewer who is able to discuss and appreciate art from different aesthetic perspectives.
2 comments:
I love the Mondrian board! Love it!!!
Ok,seeing your bulletin board helps me understand you "Carl" visual literacy powerpoint.
I wish I could be a student in your classroom...On second thought, I don't think I want to go back to 4th grade :)
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