Lesson plan based on Cycladic Figure
Explore Abstraction through an ancient Greek sculpture and by creating self—portraits using geometric shapes.
Skills and Focus: Art Appreciation, Studio
Subject Area: Fine Arts
Thematic Connection: Connecting Past and Present
Grade Level: Elementary School
Time Needed: 60 minutes
Objectives
• Recognize how the elements of line and shape are used in the Cycladic figure.
• Identify the Cycladic figure as an example of abstraction.
• Identify how the artist used geometric shapes to indicate the parts of the body on the figure.
• Create an abstract self—portrait using geometric shapes.
Instructional Materials Needed
Stories: Who Is This? and The Human Form in Cycladic Art
One 4' length of butcher paper for each student
Pencils
Construction paper in a variety of colors
Glue
Scissors
Crayons and/or markers
Activity
Step 1: Discuss how and why the Cycladic figure is an example of abstraction.
Critical Thinking Ask students to
• explain how you know this statue represents a human figure.
• describe the human features the artist included to communicate the figure’s humanity.
• identify which geometric shapes form the following features: face, nose, arms, torso, legs, feet.
Finally, have each student draw or label these shapes on the Cycladic figure template.
Step 2: Divide students into pairs. Each student should trace the outline of his or her partner's body on a length of butcher paper. Students should then switch roles so each has an outline of his or her own body.
Step 3: Using construction paper cut-outs, crayons, and/or markers on the outline of their bodies, students should create an abstracted image of themselves, including hair styles, clothing, jewelry, and so on. Remind students to use geometric shapes as much as possible. Display the abstractions in class.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 25: Know the language of the arts.
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 26: Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.
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