Lesson plan based on Cycladic Figure

Analyze and evaluate the effects of abstraction and realism on depictions of the human form in ancient and modern—day cultures.

Skills and Focus: Art Appreciation, Studio

Subject Area: Fine Arts

Thematic Connection: Connecting Past and Present

Grade Level: Secondary School

Time Needed: 20 min. for discussion, time for studio projects

Objectives

• Recognize and discuss the use of abstraction in the Cycladic figure and realism in the Attic Stele.

• Analyze how the use of abstraction and realism affects the meaning and ideas conveyed in each object.

• Create an abstract self-portrait and a realistic self-portrait using drawing materials.

• Evaluate how the use of abstraction or realism affects the choices and decisions artists make during the creative process.

Instructional Materials Needed

Stories: Who Is This?, The Human Form in Cycladic Art , and What Is Shown Here?, which discusses the Attic Stele

Drawing or construction paper

Pencils or pastels

Mirrors

Activity

Step 1: While both the Cycladic figure and the Attic Stele depict the human form, one is abstract and one realistic. Discuss the characteristics of each object.

Critical Thinking Ask students to

• explain the roles line and shape play in the creation of a form.

• describe how artists depict volume.

• describe the details that appear in each object.

• explain how the details are added.

Step 2: Instruct students to create an abstract self—portrait using pencils or pastels. Students should concentrate on the use of shape and line in the portrait to depict the essence of the human form.

Step 3: Now students should create a realistic self—portrait with the same materials, concentrating on the use of volume and personal details to create a recognizable image.

Critical Thinking Ask students to

• analyze and explain how the decisions and processes they use differ as they create each self—portrait.

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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