Basquiat Inspired, Socially Conscious
- Jody Stokes-Casey
- Jan 23, 2017
- 2 min read
I designed and executed this lesson during my student teaching experience in a mid-sized city high school in West Tennessee. The class was a combined Art II-IV. We were on Block Schedule (90 minute classes).
Enduring Idea/Theme: Art, Society, and Culture
Rationale:
Students are the future decision makers. There are many aspects of society that directly involve and relate to students’ lives. This unit is to allow students expression of their ideas on social concerns in a way that encourages informed decision making and the study of art as it relates to lives and society. Students will research their concerns and practice communication through the visual arts and design for the result of better understanding the world around them and expressing their ideas through artwork.
Artists/Artwork Focus: Jean-Michel Basquiat
Additional Discussion pieces:
Frida Kahlo, The Broken Column
Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm and Lavender Mist
Pablo Picasso, Guernica
Key Concepts:
Social and political issues students have concerns about
Communication through visual images: in graphic design and fine arts
Study of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Essential Questions:
What does a graphic designer do?
How can communicable designs translate to fine arts?
How and what do artists communicate?
Can art exist outside of a museum?
Is Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work art? Why/why not?
What are your (students’) concerns about societal issues?
Unit Objectives:
Students think critically about their environment
Students make informed decisions and opinions on issues they feel strongly about
Studying the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Creating a large mixed media project in the style of Basquait
The project created will directly reflect the artist’s views and ideas
To introduce internet research
Outline for the Unit:
I. Day One: Design
A. Visual communication through graphic design
B. Visual expression through emotion and design
C. Preparation for upcoming days
D. Emotional word brainstorming
II. Day Two: History and Life of Basquiat
A. Basquiat’s Story
Life of the artist
Art work
Video clips from Basquiat
B. Basquait’s work
A closer look
Oral discussion and critique of the work
Your (students’) thoughts in writing
C. Revisiting our emotional designs and words
D. Begin discussion of social concerns and option - Choose topics
E. Look at different forms of graffiti art
III. Day Three: Researching Social Concerns
A. Music in our time
1. Lyric discussion
2. Social analysis
B. Final Choice on Social Topics
C. Webquest in the library
D. Review social issues in artwork
Considerations for project
Sketching Ideas
IV. Day Four: Beginning the Art Piece
A. Review of Basquiat’s work
The social issues
Use of space (everything is full)
Use of images and text in work
B. Discuss Lettering (Typography) and Design
C. Objective for assignment given
V. Days Five-Eight: Ongoing work on the project
VI. Day Nine: Final Touches on Project and Class Critique
Contact me if you'd like more specific information and lesson plans.
Comments