Mini Art Lesson     Tuesday, May 12, 2020For today’s Mini Art Lesson, we’re exploring ho

Mini Art Lesson     Tuesday, May 12, 2020For today’s Mini Art Lesson, we’re exploring how found objects can be used to make sculptural works, inspired by contemporary artist El Anatsui’s Black Block. Kids ages 2-6 can play with materials from the recycling bin to build a sculpture of their home. And kids 7+ can use aluminum foil and markers to create a sculpture that drapes like textile!⁠⠀FOR AGES 2–6:   LET’S PLAYEl Anatsui uses found objects, metal, and wood in his beautiful life-sized sculptures. We’re going to use materials we find in our recycling bins and other simple found objects to sculpt our own version of home. Step 1: Gather 10 to 15 found objects and recycled materials. Our friends Susan and Sydney picked containers and old cardboard boxes!Step 2: Think about your own home, neighborhood, or dream house and map out what structures you’ll need to build with your found materials.Step 3: Use your blueprint to construct a sculpture of your home. Step 4: Put the final touches on your sculpture by decorating it! You can use tissue paper, crayons and markers, stickers, or whatever other art supplies you’d like.Thank you to Susan and Sydney for their work on this superhero house!FOR AGES 7+:    LET’S CREATEEl Anatsui skillfully transforms simple materials into elegant abstract artworks. His technique of binding aluminum pieces together with wire results in textile-like effect. Take a look at this detail shot of Black Block!Let’s explore how we can use similar materials to create sculptures that express our own artistic visions!  To get started, you will need: Aluminum foilStaplerScissorsPermanent markersStep 1: Start by folding pieces of foil into rectangular shapes.Step 2: Decide if you want your shapes to all be the same or if you’d like to include different shapes. You can even make 3D shapes! Step 3: Staple the shapes together, leaving a small gap in between. This gap will allow your sculpture to drape, fold, and bend!Step 4: Add some color or words to your artwork! Anatsui uses bottle caps in his work, which often comes with brand logos and colors. This adds meaning to his art. What meaning do you want to add to your art?Step 5: Another interesting thing about Anatsui’s work is that there’s no specific way for it to hang, so museums are allowed to decide how they will be displayed. Try hanging yours a different way each day!FOR TEACHERS, CAREGIVERS, AND PARENTS    Access a free teaching guide for El Anatsui’s work, featuring questions for viewing and other great activities and resources We’ll be back next Tuesday with another Mini Art Lesson! In the meantime, let us know what your like to see or learn!Posted by Tamar MacKay and Noé GaytánEl Anatsui (Ghanaian, born 1944). Black Block, 2010. Aluminum and copper wire,. Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of William K. Jacobs, Jr., by exchange, 2013.7a-b. © El Anatsui (Photo: Brooklyn Museum) -- source link

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