Van Gogh Matariki Art

Overview

In this 45-minute lesson for years 5-6, students will create their own Matariki-inspired artwork in the style of Vincent Van Gogh. They will apply vibrant colours and swirling patterns to depict the essence of Matariki stars. This lesson is the second in a two-part unit entitled "Exploring Matariki Through Art," building on students' prior learning about the cultural significance of Matariki.

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, particularly:

• Social Sciences: Understanding how cultural practices reflect identities and histories (Levels 3-4)
• The Arts - Visual Arts:
• Explore the roles and purposes of visual arts in various contexts and cultures
• Develop ideas in response to a variety of motivations, observations, and experiences
• Select and use materials, techniques, and processes
• Use visual language to communicate ideas
• Key Competencies:
• Thinking: applying creativity and imagination to express understanding and new ideas
• Relating to Others: respecting tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori in exploring Matariki
• Managing Self: planning, focusing, and completing an art task
• Value Focus: Respect and appreciation for Māori culture and heritage

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of Matariki and its significance through visual arts.
• Identify key stylistic elements of Van Gogh’s paintings (e.g., swirling patterns, vibrant colours).
• Create an original artwork inspired by Van Gogh, interpreting the Matariki stars.
• Reflect on the cultural meaning of their artwork and the artistic techniques used.

Resources

• Images of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings, especially "Starry Night"
• Examples of Matariki star cluster visuals
• Art supplies: cardstock or heavy paper, tempera or poster paints, brushes, palettes
• Paper towels, containers for water, aprons or smocks
• Whiteboard or chart paper/markers for discussing ideas

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Recap (5 minutes)

• Briefly revisit what students learned about Matariki in Lesson 1 — its cultural importance and stars.
• Show Vincent Van Gogh’s "Starry Night" and highlight swirling brushwork and vibrant colours. Ask: "How does this painting make you feel? What do you notice about the stars and sky?"

2. Demonstration (5 minutes)

• Demonstrate how to use swirling brush strokes and layering bright colours to create dynamic movement, similar to Van Gogh's style.
• Explain how these techniques can represent the stars of Matariki and the night sky.

3. Student Activity: Creating Matariki Art in Van Gogh Style (25 minutes)

• Students create their own Matariki artwork on cardstock using paint. Encourage creativity while using:
• Bold, swirling strokes
• Vibrant, contrasting colours
• Depictions of Matariki stars (cluster of seven stars) and celestial elements
• Circulate to give feedback, encourage experimentation, and support students in technical or cultural understanding.

4. Sharing and Reflection (8 minutes)

• Invite students to share their artwork with a partner or small group, describing their choices and how their art connects to Matariki and Van Gogh’s style.
• Facilitate a brief whole-class reflection: "What did you enjoy most? What did you find challenging? How did using Van Gogh’s style help you express the meaning of Matariki?"
• Emphasise respect for different expressions and perspectives.

5. Clean-up (2 minutes)

• Students help clean brushes and tidy the space.

Assessment and Feedback

• Formative assessment through observation of participation and technique use.
• Use descriptive feedback focusing on:
• Connection of art to cultural understanding of Matariki
• Application of Van Gogh’s painting techniques
• Creativity and effort
• Collect artworks for display with students' reflections to celebrate their learning.

Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide visual cues and step-by-step guidance for students who need more support.
• Allow alternative media for students with physical difficulties (e.g., crayons or pastels).
• Encourage multilingual vocabulary: introduce key te reo Māori terms such as Matariki, whetū (star), pūtaiao (science) alongside English.

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This lesson fosters cultural appreciation, creativity, and aligns tightly with NZ Curriculum goals in The Arts and Social Sciences while supporting key competency development. It offers a meaningful and memorable way to connect art with Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich heritage.

Happy teaching!