Making Marks in History: Exploring Artistic Expression

Making Marks in History: Exploring Artistic Expression

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to analyze and justify the type of marks artists should make at this time in history.

What do you already know about the marks artists make in their artwork?

Starter Activity: Reflection

Take a few minutes to reflect on the following question: What role do you think art plays in reflecting the current historical context?

Historical Perspective: Examples

Explore the works of historical artists like Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo, and discuss their choice of marks in their artwork.

Contemporary Perspective: Examples

Examine the works of contemporary artists such as Banksy, Yayoi Kusama, and Shepard Fairey, and analyze the marks they make in their artwork.

Main Activity: Mark Making Exploration

Using different materials and techniques, experiment with making marks that reflect the current historical context. Think about the emotions, ideas, or messages you want to convey.

Discussion: Sharing Mark Making

Discuss your mark making choices and share your artwork with the class. Explain the reasons behind the marks you made and how they relate to the current historical context.

Video: Art and Social Commentary

Watch a video that explores how artists use their artwork to comment on social and historical issues. Pay attention to the marks they make and the impact they create.

Plenary: Reflection and Conclusion

Reflect on how your understanding of the marks artists make at this time in history has evolved. Share your thoughts on the significance of mark making in conveying messages and emotions.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.