Grade Twelve Art
Students will focus on eight major components: Record, Investigate, Communicate, Articulate/Evaluate, Components, Relationships, Organizations, and Encounters.
Children’s early experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your art class to introduce artists of colour. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new artist of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation.
7 -12 Artists of Colour by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
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7 -12 Artists of Colour Part 2 by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
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Artists of colour to introduce to your class related to the Alberta curriculum
Communicate
Gordon Parks
Lesson plan from the National Gallery of Art. Explores Gordon Parks photography capturing intersections between art, race, class and politics in the United States. Includes different examples of art and accompanying activities. Can be used with this additional activity.
Communicate
Gordon Parks
Lesson plan from the National Gallery of Art. Explores Gordon Parks photography capturing intersections between art, race, class and politics in the United States. Includes different examples of art and accompanying activities. Can be used with this additional activity.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.1: Investigate varieties of expression in making images - Suggested use:
- Introduce artist
- Use as inspiration for students to create their own set of photographs that focus on an important theme in their lives - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Articulate/evaluate
Andrea Carlson
Andrea Carlson is an Ojibwe and Scandanavian-based artist living in Chicago, Illinois. Through painting and drawing, Carlson cites entangled cultural narratives and institutional authority relating to objects based on the merit of possession and display.Her work has been acquired by institutions such as the British Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the National Gallery of Canada. Carlson was a 2008 McKnight Fellow and a 2017 Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters and Sculptors grant recipient.
Andrea Carlson
Andrea Carlson is an Ojibwe and Scandanavian-based artist living in Chicago, Illinois. Through painting and drawing, Carlson cites entangled cultural narratives and institutional authority relating to objects based on the merit of possession and display.Her work has been acquired by institutions such as the British Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the National Gallery of Canada. Carlson was a 2008 McKnight Fellow and a 2017 Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters and Sculptors grant recipient.
- Art Samples:
- Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices
- Hearts of Our People: Native Women - Curriculum connection:
- 4.2: Use vocabulary and techniques of art criticism to interpret and evaluate own works and work of others - Suggested use:
- Reflection on the relationship between culture and possession: Who owns the rights to cultural art? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Components
Andrea Pilgrim
Angela Pilgrim is a New Jersey-based printmaker and founder of Fruishun and Fruishun Press Studio. Her art practice lies within screen printing, risography and textile printing. Her inspiration draws from the subject of Black beauty and Womanhood and how it is perceived in the world. She expresses her story of Black womanhood in screen printing coupled with various mixed media techniques.
Andrea Pilgrim
Angela Pilgrim is a New Jersey-based printmaker and founder of Fruishun and Fruishun Press Studio. Her art practice lies within screen printing, risography and textile printing. Her inspiration draws from the subject of Black beauty and Womanhood and how it is perceived in the world. She expresses her story of Black womanhood in screen printing coupled with various mixed media techniques.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Extend knowledge of elements and principles of design in composing 2D and 3D images; colour and value concepts/positive and negative space - Suggested use:
- Introduce artist
- Students discuss the connections between art and identity; can complete a self-portrait project in a similar style as Pilgrim's with objects/symbols that are unique to themselves or their culture - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Anna Jane McIntyre
Anna Jane McIntyre is an artist with a playful practice that combines storytelling, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, performance and microactivism.
Anna Jane McIntyre is an artist with a playful practice that combines storytelling, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, performance and microactivism.
- Art Samples:
- Familiar
- I Live Here
- Papercuts - Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Extend knowledge of elements and principles of design in composing 2D and 3D images; colour and value concepts/positive and negative space - Suggested use:
- Discuss the connections between art and culture/activism
- Analyze McIntyre's use of mixed media to tell a story - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Arturo Herrera
Arturo Herrera was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1959, and lives and works in New York and Berlin, Germany. Herrera’s work includes collage, works on paper, sculpture, relief, wall painting, photography, and felt wall hangings. His work taps into the viewer’s unconscious—often intertwining fragments of cartoon characters with abstract shapes and partially obscured images that evoke memory and recollection. Additional video to introduce artist.
Arturo Herrera was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1959, and lives and works in New York and Berlin, Germany. Herrera’s work includes collage, works on paper, sculpture, relief, wall painting, photography, and felt wall hangings. His work taps into the viewer’s unconscious—often intertwining fragments of cartoon characters with abstract shapes and partially obscured images that evoke memory and recollection. Additional video to introduce artist.
- Art Samples:
- Mine (2007)
- Right Back (2006) - Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Extend knowledge of elements and principles of design in composing 2D and 3D images; colour and value concepts/positive and negative space - Suggested use:
- Introduce artist and concept of abstract art - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Jin Me-Yoon
Vancouver-based artist Jin Me-Yoon's work is primarily focused on issues of place and identity. This sculpture is an example of Me-Yoon’s exploration of displacement and representation in the context of Canadian settler nationalism.
Vancouver-based artist Jin Me-Yoon's work is primarily focused on issues of place and identity. This sculpture is an example of Me-Yoon’s exploration of displacement and representation in the context of Canadian settler nationalism.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Extend knowledge of elements and principles of design in composing 2D and 3D images; colour and value concepts/positive and negative space - Suggested use:
- Discuss and analyze the artist's message: What does it mean to be Canadian? What does it mean to be a settler? What feelings of nationalism are evoked in the artist's work? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Fakeero Solanki
Fakeero Solanki was born in a family of sculptors in Tando Allahyar, he started sculpting when he was only 12 years old. He loved making sculptures since his childhood but he started making idols and sculptures then he was in 12th grade. From sculptures of Hindu deities to famous personalities of Pakistan he has made it all.
Fakeero Solanki was born in a family of sculptors in Tando Allahyar, he started sculpting when he was only 12 years old. He loved making sculptures since his childhood but he started making idols and sculptures then he was in 12th grade. From sculptures of Hindu deities to famous personalities of Pakistan he has made it all.
- Art Samples:
- View samples - Curriculum connection:
- 5.1.1: Extend knowledge of elements and principles of design in composing 2D and 3D images; colour and value concepts/positive and negative space - Suggested use:
- Introduce the artist
- Use as inspiration for a sculpting project - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Organizations
Wen Zhengming
Wen Zhengming (1470–1559) was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and poet, and is regarded as one of the masters (one of four) of Ming painting. Wen’s work often focused on simple things, like a tree, and the themes of isolation and loneliness.
Wen Zhengming
Wen Zhengming (1470–1559) was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and poet, and is regarded as one of the masters (one of four) of Ming painting. Wen’s work often focused on simple things, like a tree, and the themes of isolation and loneliness.
- Art Sample:
- One of eight album leaves depicting the Humble Administrator's Garden (1551) - Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.1: Experiment with various representational forms - Suggested use:
- Introduce artist
- Use as inspiration for a poetry and painting project - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Meleko Mokgosi
This twenty-panel installation interrogates the theme of feminism in the context of southern Africa, and considers the consequences of dividing labor practices by gender.
This twenty-panel installation interrogates the theme of feminism in the context of southern Africa, and considers the consequences of dividing labor practices by gender.
- Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.2: Be conscious of the emotional impact caused and shaped by art - Suggested use:
- Use as inspiration to create an independent/whole-class project by creating panel art depicting themes and issues of feminism that are present in Canada today - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Tawny Chatmon
Tawny Chatmon is a Tokyo-born photography based artist residing in Maryland. "The primary theme that drives my art practice today is celebrating the beauty of black childhood. I am currently devoted to creating portraits that are inspired by artworks spanning various art periods in Western Art with the intent of bringing to the forefront faces that were often under-celebrated in this style of work."
Tawny Chatmon is a Tokyo-born photography based artist residing in Maryland. "The primary theme that drives my art practice today is celebrating the beauty of black childhood. I am currently devoted to creating portraits that are inspired by artworks spanning various art periods in Western Art with the intent of bringing to the forefront faces that were often under-celebrated in this style of work."
- Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.2: Be conscious of the emotional impact caused and shaped by art - Suggested use:
- Use as inspiration for a photography project focused on a theme that is important to the students' lives or identity - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Kabuki: The people's dramatic art
The Japanese dance and theater art of kabuki, derived from the word kabuku, meaning "out of the ordinary," can be traced back to the streets of seventeenth-century Kyoto. Kabuki became a dramatic art for the common people, with its use of makeup and facial expressions rather than masks, as well as a playful take on current events. Amanda Mattes tracks the evolution of kabuki and its place in Japan's rich cultural heritage.
The Japanese dance and theater art of kabuki, derived from the word kabuku, meaning "out of the ordinary," can be traced back to the streets of seventeenth-century Kyoto. Kabuki became a dramatic art for the common people, with its use of makeup and facial expressions rather than masks, as well as a playful take on current events. Amanda Mattes tracks the evolution of kabuki and its place in Japan's rich cultural heritage.
- Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.2: Be conscious of the emotional impact caused and shaped by art - Suggested use:
- Introduction to the art of Kabuki theatre
- Students can reflect on the important of culture to artists and how it can influence their work - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Amrita Sher-Gil
Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941) was an Indian-Hungarian painter who is considered one of the most important female painters of India of the 20th century. Her artwork’s focus settled on the poor of India, depicting their world and lives in paint.
Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941) was an Indian-Hungarian painter who is considered one of the most important female painters of India of the 20th century. Her artwork’s focus settled on the poor of India, depicting their world and lives in paint.
- Art Samples:
- Hungarian Gypsy Girl (1932)
- Bride's Toilet (1937) - Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.2: Be conscious of the emotional impact caused and shaped by art - Suggested use:
- Discuss the type of art and how personal experience and culture impacts the type of art being created - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Encounters
Bhupen Khakhar
Bhupen Khakhar was a seminal Indian painter known for his intimate scenes of figures amidst richly colored landscapes. Bombay where he received a BA in economics. Khakhar began painting in his free time while working as an accountant in the city of Baroda. The artist’s homosexuality was prominent feature in much of his work, and was often tinged with the melancholy of living in a country in which that lifestyle was condemned.
Bhupen Khakhar
Bhupen Khakhar was a seminal Indian painter known for his intimate scenes of figures amidst richly colored landscapes. Bombay where he received a BA in economics. Khakhar began painting in his free time while working as an accountant in the city of Baroda. The artist’s homosexuality was prominent feature in much of his work, and was often tinged with the melancholy of living in a country in which that lifestyle was condemned.
- Art Samples:
- You Can't Please All (1981)
- Interior of a Hindu Temple III (1975) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.3: Acquire repertoire of visual skills for comprehension of different art forms - Suggested use:
- Artist study on Khakhar and how his culture and identity impacted his works - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Kamal ud-Din Behzad
Kamāl ud-Dīn Behzād, was a Persian painter and head of the royal ateliers in Herat and Tabriz during the late Timurid and early Safavid Persian periods. He is regarded as marking the highpoint of the great tradition of Islamic miniature painting.
Kamāl ud-Dīn Behzād, was a Persian painter and head of the royal ateliers in Herat and Tabriz during the late Timurid and early Safavid Persian periods. He is regarded as marking the highpoint of the great tradition of Islamic miniature painting.
- Art Sample:
- The Construction of Castle Khavarnaq (1494) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.3: Acquire repertoire of visual skills for comprehension of different art forms - Suggested use:
- Use as an introduction to different Central Asian art forms
- Use as inspiration for students to create their own miniature paintings - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was an American artist whose short life burned bright before a heroin overdose at the age of 27. His work tackled social issues including power structures, racism, and classism.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was an American artist whose short life burned bright before a heroin overdose at the age of 27. His work tackled social issues including power structures, racism, and classism.
- Art Samples:
- Skull (1981)
- Poison Oasis (1982) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.1: Recognize the formation of images as influences by artist’s medium/ time/ and culture - Suggested use:
- Artist study on Basquiat and how his works reflected his perspectives towards culture and art - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Kent Monkman
Kent Monkman (born 1965) is an interdisciplinary Cree visual artist. A member of Fisher River Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory (Manitoba), he lives and works in Dish With One Spoon Territory (Toronto, Canada). Known for his provocative interventions into Western European and American art history, Monkman explores themes of colonization, sexuality, loss, and resilience—the complexities of historic and contemporary Indigenous experiences—across painting, film/video, performance, and installation. Note: Some works contain nudity.
Kent Monkman (born 1965) is an interdisciplinary Cree visual artist. A member of Fisher River Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory (Manitoba), he lives and works in Dish With One Spoon Territory (Toronto, Canada). Known for his provocative interventions into Western European and American art history, Monkman explores themes of colonization, sexuality, loss, and resilience—the complexities of historic and contemporary Indigenous experiences—across painting, film/video, performance, and installation. Note: Some works contain nudity.
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.3: Acquire repertoire of visual skills for comprehension of different art forms - Suggested use:
- Introduce the artist
- Reflection on the message of Monkman's works, particularly the artist's depiction of Canadian history - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Guneet Monga
BAFTA nominee and voted top 12 women achievers in the Global Entertainment Industry, Guneet Monga embodies the true spirit of a born storyteller. She produced the Oscar-winning documentary film "Period. End of sentence", as well as "The Lunchbox" and "Masaan".
BAFTA nominee and voted top 12 women achievers in the Global Entertainment Industry, Guneet Monga embodies the true spirit of a born storyteller. She produced the Oscar-winning documentary film "Period. End of sentence", as well as "The Lunchbox" and "Masaan".
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.2: Investigate impact of technology on artists - Suggested use:
- Discussion on art and storytelling, particularly with film - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Henry Ossawa Tanner was the United States’ first African-American celebrity artist. His training at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (under the guidance of Thomas Eakins) and at the Académie Julian in Paris (with Jean-Léon Gérôme) put him in the unique position of having experienced two vastly different approaches to painting— American Realism and French academic painting. He was also one of the few artists to have had such training at a time when there were many barriers to education for African-Americans.
Henry Ossawa Tanner was the United States’ first African-American celebrity artist. His training at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (under the guidance of Thomas Eakins) and at the Académie Julian in Paris (with Jean-Léon Gérôme) put him in the unique position of having experienced two vastly different approaches to painting— American Realism and French academic painting. He was also one of the few artists to have had such training at a time when there were many barriers to education for African-Americans.
- Art Sample:
- The Thankful Poor - Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.3: Acquire repertoire of visual skills for comprehension of different art forms - Suggested use:
- Can conduct further research on American Realism and French academic painting and the common themes within both - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Athena LaTocha
Athena LaTocha is an Indigenous artist from Alaska, whose massive works on paper explore the tenuous relationship between man-made and natural worlds. Her work has been shown across the US.
Athena LaTocha is an Indigenous artist from Alaska, whose massive works on paper explore the tenuous relationship between man-made and natural worlds. Her work has been shown across the US.
- Art Samples:
- Green Silence
- Slow Burn
- Shelter in Place
- Winterkill - Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.1: Recognize the formation of images as influences by artist’s medium/ time/ and culture - Suggested use:
- Introduce artist
- Discuss connections between art and nature - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Adrian Brandon
Adrian Brandon is a Brooklyn-based artist. "My goal as an artist is to cultivate greater understanding around the Black experience, in hopes that we can move forward together guided by love and unity."
Adrian Brandon is a Brooklyn-based artist. "My goal as an artist is to cultivate greater understanding around the Black experience, in hopes that we can move forward together guided by love and unity."
- Art Samples:
- Stolen
- Chaos
- Durag
- Brooklyn Windows - Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.1: Recognize the formation of images as influences by artist’s medium/ time/ and culture - Suggested use:
- Reflection on the significance of the "Stolen" series, and connections to the Black Lives Matter movement - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
This British-Ghanaian artist creates compelling character studies of people who don’t exist, reflecting her twin talents as a writer and a painter.
This British-Ghanaian artist creates compelling character studies of people who don’t exist, reflecting her twin talents as a writer and a painter.
- Art Samples:
- View samples
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.3: Acquire repertoire of visual skills for comprehension of different art forms - Suggested use:
- Discuss the type of art seen in her work and how personal experience and culture impacts the type of art being created - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Rudolph Carl Gorman
Rudolph Carl Gorman (1931–2005) was a Navajo painter born in Chinle, Arizona. Gorman has been hailed as "the Picasso of Southwestern Art" or "the Picasso of American Indian art". He pushed his work into the realm of abstract realism, playing with abstract forms to create his own style. Many of his paintings focus on Navajo women, their roles within the Navajo Nation, and how they relate to women the world over.
Rudolph Carl Gorman (1931–2005) was a Navajo painter born in Chinle, Arizona. Gorman has been hailed as "the Picasso of Southwestern Art" or "the Picasso of American Indian art". He pushed his work into the realm of abstract realism, playing with abstract forms to create his own style. Many of his paintings focus on Navajo women, their roles within the Navajo Nation, and how they relate to women the world over.
- Art Samples:
- Navajo Return (1997)
- La Chilera (1990) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.1: Investigate process of abstracting form from a source - Suggested use:
- Introduction to abstract realism
- Students can reflect on the important of culture to artists and how it can influence their work - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera (1886–1957) was a Mexican painter known for his murals and social commentary within them. At 21, Rivera studied art in Europe, having been sponsored by the governor of Veracruz to do so. He was influenced by cubism and similar modern art movements of the day.
Diego Rivera (1886–1957) was a Mexican painter known for his murals and social commentary within them. At 21, Rivera studied art in Europe, having been sponsored by the governor of Veracruz to do so. He was influenced by cubism and similar modern art movements of the day.
- Art Samples:
- The Arsenal (1928)
- Detroit Industry Murals (1932-33)
- The Day of the Dead (1924) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.2: Compare image content of certain periods - Suggested use:
- Artist study on Rivera and how his social commentary reflected the political environment around him - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Abanindranath Tagore
Abanindranath Tagore was an Indian artist, writer, and founder of the Bengal school of art movement. He’s noted as the first Indian artist to gain worldwide recognition Tagore developed this “Indian style of painting”, as it was also known, combining modern imagery with spiritual qualities. Bharat Mata (“Mother India”) was one such painting that shows a woman with four arms similar to depictions of Hindu deities.
Abanindranath Tagore was an Indian artist, writer, and founder of the Bengal school of art movement. He’s noted as the first Indian artist to gain worldwide recognition Tagore developed this “Indian style of painting”, as it was also known, combining modern imagery with spiritual qualities. Bharat Mata (“Mother India”) was one such painting that shows a woman with four arms similar to depictions of Hindu deities.
- Art Samples:
- Bharat Mata (1905)
- Ganesh-Janani (1908) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.2: Compare image content of certain periods - Suggested use:
- Comparison between Western art and Tagore's style of painting during this time period: What makes each style unique? - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Bill Reid
Bill Reid (1920-1998) was an acclaimed master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, mentor and community activist. Reid was born in Victoria, British Columbia to a Haida mother and an American father with Scottish German roots, and only began exploring his Haida roots at the age of 23. This journey of discovery lasted a lifetime and shaped Reid's artistic career. Can be used with additional video.
Bill Reid (1920-1998) was an acclaimed master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, mentor and community activist. Reid was born in Victoria, British Columbia to a Haida mother and an American father with Scottish German roots, and only began exploring his Haida roots at the age of 23. This journey of discovery lasted a lifetime and shaped Reid's artistic career. Can be used with additional video.
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.2: Compare image content of certain periods - Suggested use:
- Reflection on art, identity, and culture within Reid's works - Accessibility:
- Auto-generated captions
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations needed for visually impaired students
Robert S. Duncanson
Robert S. Duncanson (1821–1872) was an African-American painter associated with the Hudson River School, an art movement focused on landscapes and influenced by romanticism. He was not formally trained, but honed his skill through copying prints and observation.
Robert S. Duncanson (1821–1872) was an African-American painter associated with the Hudson River School, an art movement focused on landscapes and influenced by romanticism. He was not formally trained, but honed his skill through copying prints and observation.
- Art Samples:
- Landscape with Rainbow (1859)
- Ellen's Isle Loch Katrine (1871) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.2: Compare image content of certain periods - Suggested use:
- Review a sample of his art and try to find patterns, practices, etc.
- Students could try to create a landscape painting in his style
- Could be used as an introduction to romanticism - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required, student dependent
Daphne Odjig
Internationally recognized and renowned artist Daphne Odjig was born September 11, 1919 and raised on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island (Lake Huron), Ontario, Canada. She was a Canadian First Nations artist of Odawa-Potowatomi-English heritage. Her work is rooted in realism, expressionism and cubism.
Internationally recognized and renowned artist Daphne Odjig was born September 11, 1919 and raised on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island (Lake Huron), Ontario, Canada. She was a Canadian First Nations artist of Odawa-Potowatomi-English heritage. Her work is rooted in realism, expressionism and cubism.
- Art Samples:
- View samples - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.2: Compare image content of certain periods - Suggested use:
- Artist study on Odjig and how her culture/environment/heritage has influenced her artworks - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Mohmoud Saïd
Saïd, the son of Egyptian prime minister Mohamed Pacha Saïd, was a pioneer of modern Arab art.
Saïd, the son of Egyptian prime minister Mohamed Pacha Saïd, was a pioneer of modern Arab art.
- Art Samples:
- Introspection (1930)
- Hanem (1951) - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.2: Compare image content of certain periods - Suggested use:
- Reflection on the different portraits and the message behind certain artistic choices, such as the colour of their clothing or the angle in which they are being painted - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Yayoi Kusama, Sonia Boyce, Dayanita Singh
A 3-minute video showcasing 5 famous women artists, notably Yayoi Kusama, Sonia Boyce and Dayanita Singh, and how they explore identity, politics and history.
A 3-minute video showcasing 5 famous women artists, notably Yayoi Kusama, Sonia Boyce and Dayanita Singh, and how they explore identity, politics and history.
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.3: Become aware of the relationship between function and form in artistic productions - Suggested use:
- Choose one of the 5 women mentioned and research their art and lives - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Bob Boyer
As a Métis artist, Bob Boyer's painting bears the mark of a dual cultural perspective, one that alternates between the Plains Indian imagery of his Native heritage and the European tradition that provides him with the vocabulary of abstraction. Boyer's work has been informed by colour field painting, specifically by the non-representational and experimental work of the Regina Five group in the 1960s. His first works were painterly, semiabstract depictions of ceremonial and everyday objects used by Native people, borrowing design elements of traditional hide painting and beadwork.
As a Métis artist, Bob Boyer's painting bears the mark of a dual cultural perspective, one that alternates between the Plains Indian imagery of his Native heritage and the European tradition that provides him with the vocabulary of abstraction. Boyer's work has been informed by colour field painting, specifically by the non-representational and experimental work of the Regina Five group in the 1960s. His first works were painterly, semiabstract depictions of ceremonial and everyday objects used by Native people, borrowing design elements of traditional hide painting and beadwork.
- Art Samples:
- View samples - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.3: Become aware of the relationship between function and form in artistic productions - Suggested use:
- Investigate the connection between Boyer's art and the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canadian history - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Kitagawa Utamaro
Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806) was born in Japan and is remembered as one of the best ukiyo-e artists in history. His work largely consists of portraits of women (bijin-ga) and nature studies rendered into woodblock prints. Ukiyo-e art typically tackles the subjects of beautiful women, kubuki, sumo, folk tales, and nature.
Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806) was born in Japan and is remembered as one of the best ukiyo-e artists in history. His work largely consists of portraits of women (bijin-ga) and nature studies rendered into woodblock prints. Ukiyo-e art typically tackles the subjects of beautiful women, kubuki, sumo, folk tales, and nature.
- Art Samples:
- Ase o fuku onna (Woman Wiping Sweat)
- Multiple art samples - Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.2: Compare image content of certain periods - Suggested use:
- Use Utamaro's art as inspiration to create their own woodblock prints or art tackling one of the subjects that Utamaro focused on - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Investigate
Art Making Narrative
Students will be able to create a final art project that narrates a story through planning, documenting, creating and reflection.
Art Making Narrative
Students will be able to create a final art project that narrates a story through planning, documenting, creating and reflection.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Develop and refine drawing skills and styles; point of view/ partial delineations/ proportion and perspective enhance purpose of drawing - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Art Inspired By Central and West African Sculptures
Students will create a work of art inspired by Central and West African Sculptures. Points of inspiration may include (not limited to) the way the sculptures use symbolism, pattern, proportion, movement, and geometric form.
Students will create a work of art inspired by Central and West African Sculptures. Points of inspiration may include (not limited to) the way the sculptures use symbolism, pattern, proportion, movement, and geometric form.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Develop and refine drawing skills and styles; point of view/ partial delineations/ proportion and perspective enhance purpose of drawing - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use with guiding discussion questions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing and visually impaired students
Immigration and Displacement
Lesson plan from the National Gallery of Art. Explores different art examples depicting immigration and displacement in the United States. Includes different examples of art and accompanying activities.
Additional activity to use on immigration.
Lesson plan from the National Gallery of Art. Explores different art examples depicting immigration and displacement in the United States. Includes different examples of art and accompanying activities.
Additional activity to use on immigration.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Develop and refine drawing skills and styles; point of view/ partial delineations/ proportion and perspective enhance purpose of drawing - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Articulate/evaluate
Expressing the Individual
Lesson plan from the National Gallery of Art. Explores identity in different art examples, including race, gender, and class. One example is Carrie Mae Weems May Flowers, 2002. Includes different examples of art and accompanying activities. Additional activity to use on identity.
Expressing the Individual
Lesson plan from the National Gallery of Art. Explores identity in different art examples, including race, gender, and class. One example is Carrie Mae Weems May Flowers, 2002. Includes different examples of art and accompanying activities. Additional activity to use on identity.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4.2: Use vocabulary and techniques of art criticism to interpret and evaluate own works and work of others - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Components
Ruth Cuthand: Don't Breathe, Don't Drink
Explore Ruth Cuthand's 2016 work Don't Breathe, Don't Drink. She uses beadwork and drinking glasses to convey deadly diseases found in the water supply on Canadian reserves.
Ruth Cuthand: Don't Breathe, Don't Drink
Explore Ruth Cuthand's 2016 work Don't Breathe, Don't Drink. She uses beadwork and drinking glasses to convey deadly diseases found in the water supply on Canadian reserves.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.2: Use non-traditional approaches to create 2D/3D compositions - Suggested use:
- PDF includes artist bio, context, guided observation questions for the teacher, and extended exploration questions for the teacher - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Esmaa Mohamoud: A Seat Above the Table
Explore Esmaa Mohamoud's 2018 work "A Seat Above the Table (Warren Moon). "A Seat Above the Table not only references the ignored achievements of Black athletes, but of Black people in general, by focusing on the lack of equal representation in many aspects."
Explore Esmaa Mohamoud's 2018 work "A Seat Above the Table (Warren Moon). "A Seat Above the Table not only references the ignored achievements of Black athletes, but of Black people in general, by focusing on the lack of equal representation in many aspects."
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.2: Use non-traditional approaches to create 2D/3D compositions - Suggested use:
- PDF includes artist bio, context, guided observation questions for the teacher, and a template for a creative response - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Yayoi Kusama
Let’s Survive Together includes stainless steel spheres of different sizes, and when they are reflected by the mirrors they produce a kaleidoscopic effect.
Let’s Survive Together includes stainless steel spheres of different sizes, and when they are reflected by the mirrors they produce a kaleidoscopic effect.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.2: Use non-traditional approaches to create 2D/3D compositions - Suggested use:
- PDF includes artist bio, questions to consider, and a creative response - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Organizations
Consuming and Creating Political Art
Students examine the history of political art. They then create their own murals, political cartoons or posters, demonstrating an understanding of social justice issues.
Consuming and Creating Political Art
Students examine the history of political art. They then create their own murals, political cartoons or posters, demonstrating an understanding of social justice issues.
- Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.2: Be conscious of the emotional impact caused and shaped by art - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Pacita Abad: Mixed-Media Paintings
Born in the Philippines, Pacita Abad (1946–2004) was a Filipina American artist known for her textured, colorful, and vibrant paintings.
Born in the Philippines, Pacita Abad (1946–2004) was a Filipina American artist known for her textured, colorful, and vibrant paintings.
- Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.1: Experiment with various representational forms - Suggested use:
- Website has step-by-step visual and written instructions on how to replicate art style - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Why Script Matters
With simple beginnings in the pre-Islamic period, Arabic script developed rapidly after the rise of Islam into not only a writing system but also an art form. Because the revelations of God to Muhammad were in Arabic, it became the language of Islam and the reading and writing of Arabic play a central role in the religion. In this activity, you will think about the visual impact of various scripts. How does the appearance of a message affect its reception?
With simple beginnings in the pre-Islamic period, Arabic script developed rapidly after the rise of Islam into not only a writing system but also an art form. Because the revelations of God to Muhammad were in Arabic, it became the language of Islam and the reading and writing of Arabic play a central role in the religion. In this activity, you will think about the visual impact of various scripts. How does the appearance of a message affect its reception?
- Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.1: Experiment with various representational forms - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Political Art and the Japanese Incarceration Experience
Students will explore Chiura Obata’s artwork as an introduction to political art during the WWII era. They will further consider the experiences of Japanese Americans during incarceration before creating their own political art.
Students will explore Chiura Obata’s artwork as an introduction to political art during the WWII era. They will further consider the experiences of Japanese Americans during incarceration before creating their own political art.
- Curriculum connection:
- 7.1.2: Be conscious of the emotional impact caused and shaped by art - Suggested use:
- Website provides teacher packet, PowerPoint, student planning guide, and rubric to use and adapt in the classroom - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Encounters
Osman Hamdi Bey
The exhibition pays tribute to this multifaceted personality by "A Journey into the World of Osman Hamdi Bey" virtual reality experience which enables the audience to pay visit to Osman Hamdi Bey’s working space and to step into his painting "The Tortoise Trainer".
Osman Hamdi Bey
The exhibition pays tribute to this multifaceted personality by "A Journey into the World of Osman Hamdi Bey" virtual reality experience which enables the audience to pay visit to Osman Hamdi Bey’s working space and to step into his painting "The Tortoise Trainer".
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.1: Investigate process of abstracting form from a source - Suggested use:
- Explore the exhibit as a class or independently - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
In the News
This lesson asks students to encounter a contemporary issue through the newspaper, and respond to what they read through a visual language. Students experience the actual art-making process of contemporary artists, as they express their opinions about the contemporary world around them. This lesson aims to engage student in a critical reflection of the world around them and to empower them to use art as activism.
This lesson asks students to encounter a contemporary issue through the newspaper, and respond to what they read through a visual language. Students experience the actual art-making process of contemporary artists, as they express their opinions about the contemporary world around them. This lesson aims to engage student in a critical reflection of the world around them and to empower them to use art as activism.
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.2.1: Recognize the formation of images as influences by artist’s medium/ time/ and culture - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use with resources attached - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
Film Festival
Students review films related to a theme in the central text, then plan, prepare for and host a community film festival.
Students review films related to a theme in the central text, then plan, prepare for and host a community film festival.
- Curriculum connection:
- 8.1.3: Become aware of the relationship between function and form in artistic productions - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accommodations needed, student dependent
How to Talk about Anti-Black Racism
Join Dr. Audrey Hudson, Associate Curator, Schools & Early Learning Programs engage a round table discussion on how to speak about anti-black racism with the art in the Art Gallery of Ontario's (AGO) collection as an entry point.
Join Dr. Audrey Hudson, Associate Curator, Schools & Early Learning Programs engage a round table discussion on how to speak about anti-black racism with the art in the Art Gallery of Ontario's (AGO) collection as an entry point.
- Suggested use:
- Use to inform anti-racism teaching practices
Conversations with Colleagues
Part of being an antiracist educator is calling out racism. Here are some guides to help you have those conversations with colleagues and students.
Part of being an antiracist educator is calling out racism. Here are some guides to help you have those conversations with colleagues and students.
- Suggested use:
- Use to learn more about the importance of infusing anti-racism into Art
Black Lives Matter: An Open Letter to Art Educators on Constructing an Anti-Racist Agenda
An open letter from the Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the National Art Education Association on the importance of anti-racist art education in the age of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.
An open letter from the Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the National Art Education Association on the importance of anti-racist art education in the age of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.
- Suggested use:
- Use to understand how Art has an influence and force for social change. Suggestions on how to incorporate anti-racism in Art
Art and Social Justice
What is the relationship between art and social justice? How have artists over the last 100 years used their work to speak out against injustices, advocate for change, and honour the lived experiences of marginalized communities? This course uses artworks in LACMA’s collection to encourage critical thinking about historical and contemporary social justice issues, and build confidence in integrating art into interdisciplinary lesson plans that inspire real-world connections and elevate student agency.
What is the relationship between art and social justice? How have artists over the last 100 years used their work to speak out against injustices, advocate for change, and honour the lived experiences of marginalized communities? This course uses artworks in LACMA’s collection to encourage critical thinking about historical and contemporary social justice issues, and build confidence in integrating art into interdisciplinary lesson plans that inspire real-world connections and elevate student agency.
- Suggested use:
- Course teachers can take to integrate Art and Social Justice in their lessons
Anti-Racist Art Teachers
Working towards removing biases, stereotypes, and false narratives in art education.
Working towards removing biases, stereotypes, and false narratives in art education.
- Suggested use:
- Use to inform teaching in anti-racism education
Asian Educational Resources
Asian-focused website with many resources including videos, activities, and lessons.
Asian-focused website with many resources including videos, activities, and lessons.
- Suggested use:
- Use to implement Asian-inspired art projects and lessons