Abstract Mapmaking

Lesson Plan

Description

Students will explore and interpret the work of Julie Mehretu. They will select a place of importance and explore how they can symbolize that place through overlapping, variety, and repetition in an abstract soft pastel drawing.

Level

Intermediate

Areas of Study

Chalk Pastels Drawing Variety Repetition Contemporary Art

Collections

Chalk Pastel Techniques

Lesson Objectives

Students will explore the artwork of contemporary artist Julie Mehretu.

Students will interpret how contemporary artists use media and art principles to convey meaning.

Students will experiment with applying art principles in an abstract piece of art that represents an idea.

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Teaching Strategies

Introduce the art work of contemporary artist Julie Mehretu.
Facilitate a discussion on how the example artist uses layerings, movement, and repetition to symbolize a place.
Demonstrate how to use soft pastels for a variety of marks and blending as well as how to take care of material.
Guide students in creatively considering how they can visually show the characteristics of their chosen place.

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National Standards

Create

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Time Requirements

Teacher Prep Time

15 minutes

Demonstration Time

50 minutes

Student Studio Time

3 hours and 20 minutes

Supplies and Materials

Chalk pastels
Pastel paper or construction paper
Maps or pictures of school and surrounding community
Pictures of landmarks of surrounding community
Pencil
Eraser
Spray fixative (for teacher use only)
Optional: charcoal pencils or vine charcoal

National Standards

Create

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Steps

Discuss Contemporary Art Work Examples

Analyze the artwork of Julie Mehretu. Discuss how she used repetition, movement, and layering in her abstract artwork. Interpret what type of place she may be trying to represent.

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