Middle and High School Students
Goal: Develop a knowledge base of contemporary Chinese artists in preparation for trip to 798 Art Zone in China.
Essential Questions:
1.) How is contemporary Chinese art different/same as traditional Chinese art?
2.) How do artists become part of a major art district such as 798?
3.) In what ways are artists at risk when they freely express themselves and their opinions/beliefs via visual arts?
Students may work in pairs or groups of three and will present their findings to the class.
Resources: Any website of Chinese Art Museums.
Contemporary Chinese Art: 1970s to 2000s. Wu Hung Thames & Hudson, 2014
Step 1: Show a brief series of images that represent a variety of traditional and contemporary Chinese art. Initiate discussions regarding what students noticed in the examples. Discuss first with a neighbor, then as a whole class.
Step 2: Students write questions based upon what they would like to learn.
Step 3: Students search for names of artists currently in residence at 798 Zone.
Step 4: Research chosen artist's background and their art, including media choice and techniques.
Step 5: Determine whether or not there are connections to traditional arts of China.
Step 6: If possible create a small original art work in artist's style.
Step 7: Create a presentation and share with class.