Using our imaginations when looking at art can activate prior knowledge and spark curiosity.
During your Evans Distance Learning visit, students looked at African art that evidenced the legacy of cultural encounters through imperialism and colonialism on the continent. Ask them to recall their visit and try this activity.
One of the easiest ways to begin interpreting a work of art is to imagine you are the artist.
Choose a work of art from the group below. As the artist of the work, HOW did you make it? Consider:
- The form, textures, and colors used.
- The imagery and patterns you can see.
- The materials and tools the artist might have needed.
- The decisions the artist made. Was there a plan?
- What the artist might have been thinking about: Who might have been the audience for this work? Does it seem to have a purpose (political, spiritual, or practical)? What makes you think so?
Share your ideas with a partner and the class.
Now imagine you could visit with this artist for an interview and the chance to share with the artist your ideas about the work. What questions would you ask? What insights would you share?