Cubist Mask Creations

Lesson Title: Designing the Cubist Mask

Duration

45 minutes

Age Group

Year 8 (12-13 years old)

Class Size

8 students

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Identify and apply key aspects of Cubist art in their mask designs, including shapes, forms, and colours.
2. Create a detailed sketch that incorporates texture, pattern, and dimensionality, demonstrating their understanding of Cubist principles.
3. Reflect on the inspiration drawn from notable Cubist artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

Curriculum Frameworks

This lesson aligns with the UK National Curriculum for Art and Design, specifically:

• Visual Arts: Develop their creativity and imagination through experimenting and exploring a range of media and materials.
• Art Styles: Understand and apply the characteristics of different artistic movements, in this case, Cubism.

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Materials Needed

• Pencils (HB & 2B)
• A4 drawing paper
• Rulers
• Coloured pencils or markers
• Textured materials (e.g., fabric scraps, textured paper, sponges)
• Reference images of Cubist artworks
• Inspiration handout featuring key Cubist forms and patterns

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Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook: Begin with a short discussion on a well-known Cubist artwork. Show images of Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" and Braque's "Violin and Candlestick". Ask students how they interpret these artworks.
2. Transition: Explain that today they will design their own Cubist masks, a project that combines their understanding of shapes and forms in a creative application.
3. Learning Focus: Highlight the importance of incorporating texture and pattern into their designs.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Brainstorming (5 minutes):

   • Pass out the inspiration handout and let students discuss in pairs how they might incorporate certain shapes, patterns, and textures into their mask design.
   • Encourage them to think about elements like angular shapes, fragmented forms, and multiple viewpoints.

2. Sketching (20 minutes):

   • Instruct students to create an initial sketch of their Cubist mask on A4 drawing paper.
   • Encourage them to:
     • Use geometric shapes to form the base of their mask.
     • Add layers of texture by including patterns inspired by the materials provided.
     • Think in terms of a three-dimensional form; consider how the mask will appear from different angles.
   • Circulate the room to provide support, offer feedback, and encourage experimentation with textures.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Sharing & Discussion (5 minutes):

   • Regroup as a class. Invite students to share their sketches and explain the elements they integrated based on both their learning and their own ideas.
   • Foster a supportive environment by commending each student on their creativity and thought processes.

2. Reflection (5 minutes):

   • Ask students to reflect on the following questions in their sketchbooks:
     • Which aspect of their design do they feel most excited about?
     • What challenges did they face in creating their sketch?
     • How do the materials they used enhance their design?

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Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Monitor student participation during discussions and provide constructive feedback on their sketches.
• Sketch Evaluation: Assess the completeness and creativity of their sketches considering the integration of Cubist elements, textures, and patterns.

Differentiation

• Provide one-on-one support for students who may struggle with visualisation or the drawing process.
• Encourage more advanced students to explore more complex patterns and advanced sketching techniques.

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Homework/Extension Activities

Students can further their designs by researching additional Cubist artists or movements and sketching additional ideas before the next lesson. They might also collect or create textured materials to incorporate into their final masks.

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Resources

• Projector for displaying images
• Handouts of Cubist artworks and inspiration materials
• Textured materials for hands-on exploration

This lesson encourages creativity and critical thinking while fostering an understanding of a significant art movement, making it a standout experience in the "Cubist Mask Creations" unit!