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What is Art?
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Title:
What is Art?
Posted by:
Deborah Klose
Date:
12/05/2006
Grade Level:
High School
Category:
Design History
Subject Area:
Arts
Technology
Lesson Time:
Six fifty-minute class periods
Introduction:
This unit will encourage students to become more comfortable with contemporary art by taking a closer look at what art looks like in the 21st century. Because the visual arts are not just traditional paintings or sculptures, students must be much better at seeing and understanding visual concepts. By being able to distinguish art objects from non-art objects, use technology, and research contemporary artists, the students will begin to understand how artists think and create their art.
State Standards:
No State Standards available.
National Standards:
Visual Arts
Standard 2. Knows how to use structures (e.g., sensory qualities, organizational principles, expressive features) and functions of art
Standard 4. Understands the visual arts in relation to history and cultures
Standard 5. Understands the characteristics and merits of one's own artwork and the artwork of others

Arts and Communication
Standard 3. Uses critical and creative thinking in various arts and communication settings

English
Writing Standard 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Reading Standard 7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts

Technology
Standard 6. Understands the nature and uses of different forms of technology
Objectives:

Students will:

  • learn how to look at objects and determine whether they are art
  • use problem-solving skills to determine whether what they are viewing is art and why or why not
  • use the library and Internet to research a contemporary artist
  • create a PowerPoint presentation about their artist
  • learn to appreciate contemporary art as an art form
Resources:
Materials:
  • notebook paper
  • pen or pencil
  • visual aids
  • LCD projector and computer or TV and DVD player
  • computer with printer and Internet access
Vocabulary:
  • art
  • medium
  • traditional
  • abstract
  • ceramic
  • aesthetics
  • contemporary art
  • non-traditional
Procedures:
1. Students will take the pretest in chapter one of The Visual Experience. When students have finished the pretest, the class will discuss their answers and why they chose them. Students will read Chapter One of The Visual Experience. Students will answer the chapter review questions at the end of the chapter. If a student has not completed the assignment by the end of the period he/she will complete it for homework and turn it in at the beginning of the next class period.

2. Students will view “Art 21.”

3. Discuss with students what they learned. Which artist’s work did they like? What subject matter did they find the most interesting and why? Were there any pieces of artwork they did not like? Why? Did they dispute whether a piece was art?

4. Break students into groups of 3 or 4. Tell them that they will research a contemporary artist. By researching the artist, students will be able to gain insight into the different types of art in today’s world. Make sure the students investigate the artist’s life and biography, major works of art, inspiration, materials, etc. The students can use information found on the Internet, in the school library, or in the public library.

5. Once the students have gathered their information, they will create a PowerPoint presentation about their artist. Remind them that the presentation must be organized and must cover all of the necessary points about the artist.

6. Students will present the PowerPoint project to the class. Have the students summarize the information presented and answer any questions posed by the teacher or other students.
Assessment:
Grade chapter review questions to see if students understood the material in the text and class discussion. View student presentations. Have each group lead a discussion following their presentation. Did they reflect an understanding of contemporary art and their chosen artist?
Enrichment
Extension Activities:
Students can create their own artwork in the style of the artist they researched.
Teacher Reflection:
Students respond well to The “Art: 21” featured artists. The artists speak about their backgrounds and their art on a very personal level. The students were more receptive to the artist’s work because the video presented them as everyday people. The students benefited by doing, not by just memorizing. Their research skills and computer skills improved every time they used them. PowerPoint projects in the future should progressively reflect better design quality. The more the students are exposed to contemporary art, the more comfortable they become with this art form.
Related
Files:
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