The last few weeks in art have been focused on establishing routines and creative practices, in addition to studying some new artists. In line with the year 1&2s inquiry, students are completing a study on local artist Howard Arkley, investigating his iconic interpretation of suburban life in Melbourne. His vibrantly coloured ‘cartoon-ish’ style air brushed artworks are proving to be very inspiring to student’s own art making. Below is Jamie in 1/2D working on his Howard Arkley inspired Flinders Street Station painting as well as Jasmine’s plan for her masterpiece.
You may have noticed some ants have appeared on the door of the art room and an unusual looking clock. Well, the Year 3&4s are delving into the intricate mind of Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. We have had some incredible discussions so far about Dali’s work and will use The Elephants (1948) to begin creating our own surrealist style water colour artwork. I was fortunate to travel to Dali’s museum and house when I was in Barcelona a few years ago. It took my understanding and appreciation of Dali to a whole new level. I’m loving the surreal drawings that are developing in the art classes this week!
The year 5&6s never cease to amaze me with their remarkable approach to artistic and creative practice. We have looked to Mysterious Al as inspiration for a ceramic mask making project, investigating his approach to the subject matter. I was so impressed with this work that I reached out to Mysterious Al via social media and he wrote to the year 5&6 students and reposted some of the works on his Instagram stating:
“BIG UP to the year 5&6 at Ripponlea Primary School for these banging artworks! One of my absolute favourite things about making art is when it inspires others to make it too…”
Thanks Mysterious Al for the wonderful feedback to the students! It’s nice to be recognised by the community in support for art and creativity. Keep up the great work student artists!
Finally, during the holidays I saw some incredible exhibitions including of course the Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring at NGV (actually I’ve now seen it twice), a fantastic exhibition from contemporary sculptor, Cornelia Parker, I visited the White Rabbit Gallery in Sydney, the Japan Super Natural at AGNSW and an had my first VR experience at Heide Museum of Modern Art. I’m feeling incredibly inspired to share my love for art in 2020.
