A Lesson on Abstraction
Goal: Students will gain a broader understanding of various forms of abstraction within the art realm.
PGC’s: - Recognize, articulate, and debate that the visual arts are a means for expression.
-Identify, compare, and interpret works of art derived from historical and cultural settings, time periods, and cultural contexts
Pre-Assessment:
1. Can students define the term abstraction?
2. Can students identify work of artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock?
3. Can students compare and contrast various forms of abstraction such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism?
Objectives/Standards:
1. Students will be able to define abstraction in their own words.
(Remember; Reflect: Reflective strategies are used to understand the creative process)
2. Students will be able to identify the work of artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock.
(Understand; Comprehend: Historical and cultural context are found in visual art)
3. Students will be able to compare and contrast various forms of abstraction such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism.
(Analyzing; Reflect: Interpretation is a means for understanding and evaluating works of art)
Accommodations:
Actively involve students who are typically shy. Give them leadership roles when the class is broken up during the inquiry activity in order to make them feel needed and keep them engaged.
Materials:
Computer with PowerPoint
Printed pre an post assessments
21st Century Themes:
Analyze Media- Examine how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors
Access and Evaluate Information- Evaluate information critically and competently
Preparation:
- Create slide show
- Print pre and post assessments
I always choose a few students and let them know before class that I am going to ask them a question. This gives them time to think of their answer and helps me keep conversation moving smoothly.
Action to Motivate:
Ask students to make a list of famous artists.
-Two of the most common answers that I am looking for are Van Gogh and Picasso.
- Even though these artists are very different they are both working with abstraction.
Procedure:
1. Introduction
- Gaining an understanding of abstraction through art history
- Show students my art history book
2. Pre- Assessment
- Pass out pre-assessments – this should take no more than 2 min
- Ask students to fill out worksheets paying special attention to the first question
3. Action to Motivate
- While students finish filling out pre-assessments ask them to create a list of famous artists
- Use the student’s example artists and show them that they actually have more in common than they might have originally thought.
4. Art History
- Use the PowerPoint presentation to show the work of abstract artists.
- Compare and contrast the artistic movements and show their influences upon each other.
5. Post- Assessment
- Hand out post- assessments, this will be their ticket out the door
- On the back ask them to write one interesting fact about themselves
Student reflective/inquiry activity:
Students will be broken into groups to discuss their finished abstract photo projects. Students will be asked to describe aspects of their photographs they feel are abstract and defend their reasoning. Students will also be asked to discuss characteristics they find particularly appealing in the work of their peers as well as areas that still have room for improvement.
Post Assessment:
1. Did students define the term abstraction?
2. Did students identify work of artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock?
3. Did students compare and contrast various forms of abstraction such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism?