Divide people into four groups. This is done by choosing numbers 1-4 from a hat.
On 13 small pieces of scrap paper, write the numbers 1-13. Put these numbers in a hat. Draw 2 for each silouette.
Apply the actions to your compostions within a designated picture frame on the wall.
(1) far away from other symbols
(2) close to another symbol
(3) smaller
(4) larger
(5) repeat
(6) put in lower half
(7) put in upper half
(8) go off the picture plane
(9) sideways
(10) upside down
(11) diagonal
(12) go to the left
(13) go to the right
As a group, write a narrative based upon the wall installation.
ASSIGNMENT 13: ART 141 (Fall 2014)
COLLABORATIVE WALL INSTALLATION/ SYMBOLIC CONSTRUCTIONS
Based upon a workshop by Bernard Williams at University of Illinois Chicago
Vocabulary:
Symbol – A symbol is something such as an object, picture, written word, sound, or particular mark that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention.
Juxtaposition – A bringing together of radically different elements
Specifications:
Use masking tape to make one large sheet of black construction paper out of smaller sheets of construction paper.
Draw your symbol on the side of the paper with the tape. Take your time.
All symbols should be approximately 18’ high with varying widths based up on the widths of the images.
Carefully cut out your symbol.
Work with the group during the time designated by the instructor to lay out the symbols and assess if the design on any symbols needs to be improved.
Using tape rings mount the symbols in two rows on wall taking care to hang them straight and space them properly.
Discuss the relationships of the symbols and the narratives or associative meanings that emerge.
Learning Goals:
Students learn about visual language by exploring symbols
Students understand how simplification of visual information creates graphic impact
Students practice cutting clean edges with scissors or x-acto knives.
Students collaboratively experiment with composition and arrangement strategies.
Students learn to be open to surprise meanings generated by unexpected juxtapositions.
Students learn that art is risk taking. It is not possible to know the outcome before the process is engaged.
Materials:
- A clean, blank wall.
- Construction paper (black)
- Pins, tacks, staples, or masking tape for mounting symbols
- Masking tape – for connecting pieces of paper to create larger images
- Scissors or x-acto knives and cutting mats