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Plan #:004
Title/Lesson/Theme: Iconography
Designed by: Karen Hoyt
Grade level/Discipline: High School/Art (Computer Graphics)
Estimated Time: 2-90 minute blocks
Objectives (what will be assessed?):
The student will research the "Art and Life In Africa" CD to discover how black/white geometric motifs (such as those used on plank masks) symbolize ideas. The student will use personal iconography on an original mask designed an explained by his/her group.
Description/Background: As a follow-up to black/white Op Art studies (Periodic Systems, Interrupted Systems, After Images, Irradiation and Diffusion, and Moires), students will use their original patterns to embellish plank mask designs (4 or 5 group projects). Getting beyond the science of optics, these abstract geometric motifs will be used as symbols with meaning to be determined by each individual/group. Masks cut from a foam core base will be life size.
Step by Step Procedure:
1. Review plank masks in "Art and Life in Africa" CD (worksheet).
2. Create and print black/white motif(s).
3. Work with group to cut & paste patterns onto foam core mask.
4. Display with explanation of iconography used.
Assignment in CD (essays, chapters):
Chris Roy Essay -Nature, Spirits and Arts in Burkina Faso 8 -11, 19
Allen F. Roberts Essay- Dogon Visual Culture - 13, 14, 18 - 21
See Countries Database - Dogon art images database
Studio Materials Needed:
Any graphics program, laser printer, foam core, scissors, Exacto knife, paste
Vocabulary:
Op Art, Burkina Faso, iconography, graphic patterns, Plank masks, Dogon, ideograms, mnemonic systems, facade, primal order, kinetic symbol, cosmological signs, visual culture, geometric motifs, media, embody
Evaluation/Assesment tool (how will objectives be assessed):
Completion of stop by step procedure, effectiveness of design, craftsmanship, work ethic (attendance, cooperation, time on task, courtesy to others)
Bibliography/Alternative resources (Web site?):
"Art and Life In Africa" CD, Op Art reproductions, examples and books