Abstract Form Lesson + Activity

This is an Abstract Form Lesson + Activity.

It is an editable PowerPoint presentation, so you can tweak slides as you see fit.

It will begin with a question for art students to ponder: What does “abstract” mean in the art world?

After being given a definition of abstract art, this presentation will move into further exploration of abstraction across the century.

The topics included here are:

-Expressionism (Early 20th Century)

-Cubism (from 1907 – 1908)

-Orphism (1912 - 13)

-Suprematism (1913)

-Neo-plasticism (1919)

-Automatism (1920)

-Action painting (1940 – 1950s)

-Colour Field Painting (1940 – 1950s)

-Post painterly abstraction (1950s)

-Hard edge painting (1960s)

-Op art (1960s)

After learning about each of these types of abstract art, students will be presented with their next question: What is a sculpture?

The questions included in this presentation serve as a great segue way for open discussion and dialogue amongst your art students. These questions can be utilized as writing prompts. When the question is presented, have your students write down their answer on paper. If you want to increase engagement, have students swap their paper with a classmate and read each other’s answers. They can follow up with small group discussions, which can then turn to whole group discussions.

Under the topic of sculptures, students will learn about:

-19th Century Sculpture

-The Beginning of Abstract Sculptures

-Jean Arp

Finally, students will be presented with their assignment:

“You will be creating your own abstract sculpture in which your form will be inspired by Jean Arp but you will paint your sculpture by drawing inspiration from traditional Metis Dot Art.

What is Dot Art?”

Samples and step by step directions are included for students. A success criteria checklist and a rubric is also included.

A 37 slide editable PowerPoint