Middle School Grade  Project 1 week

Kusama's Kaleidoscope: Eye-Catching Art

Emily A
Updated
Effective Communication
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Academic Mindset
Content Expertise
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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic exploration of abstract art, drawing inspiration from the distinctive style of Yayoi Kusama to convey emotions and personal narratives through their creative work. By experimenting with colors, shapes, and patterns, students will develop a deeper understanding of how art can reflect identity and experiences. This project fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills as students co-design their pieces, share feedback, and present their insights in both live and virtual exhibition spaces. The experience aims to cultivate an academic mindset in students, encouraging them to draw upon their knowledge and innate creativity to create meaningful art pieces that resonate personally and within their community.

Learning goals

Students will explore color theory and its emotional impact by experimenting with hues, shades, and combinations to tell stories in their abstract art. They will analyze Yayoi Kusama's distinctive style to understand the influence of cultural background and technique on personal artistic expression. Through hands-on activities, students will practice creating depth and movement, using layering and contrasting colors to enhance their visual storytelling. Additionally, they will develop critical communication skills by presenting their work, engaging in peer critiques, and articulating the narratives behind their art pieces.

Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.

Products

Students will create a series of abstract self-portraits utilizing mixed media to depict aspects of their identity and experiences. Additionally, they will contribute personalized eye designs to collaborative mural panels that illustrate their emotional journeys. A collective digital portfolio will be developed, featuring students' paintings alongside audio narratives sharing insights behind their artistic choices.

Launch

Kick off the project with "Art in the Eyes," a collaborative activity where students contribute unique eye designs to a large mural, emphasizing the collective vision and potential of abstract art. Encourage students to explore color and pattern in a hands-on art lab, experimenting with various mediums and textures to inspire personal artistic narratives. This launch sets the stage for deeper exploration into conveying emotion and storytelling through abstract elements.

Exhibition

Students will create an 'Abstract Expressions' virtual tour, presenting their artwork online through a 360-degree gallery with audio narrations sharing the creative stories behind each piece. Additionally, an 'Eyes on Art' evening community event will be hosted for students to display their artworks alongside reflective essays and participate in an interactive Q&A with audience members. Pop-up galleries set throughout the school during 'Reflection in Color' day will offer stations for viewers to explore video presentations on artistic techniques and influences.