The 10- to 11-year-old learners in grade 5 created beautiful three-dimensional sculptures in Visual Art this term. They looked at examples of traditional African body adornment (before Colonialism), and at contemporary typically African fashion styles. Learners had the opportunity to act as fashion designers to come up with an outfit for their figure. Learners reflected on their knowledge of typical dress, similar to this image below, and were able to invent their own variety.
We live in a diverse community with various cultures and languages. We have different skin tones, religions and habits, but we are all born on African soil. In creating this figure, we celebrate the beauty of our heritage.
THE ARTISTIC PROCESS:
After studying various African designs and patterns, learners made rows of crayon patterns and painted over them. They practiced the wax-resist technique and explored colour blending. The result is shown below.
Then their focus shifted to upcycling old paper and cardboard. This ensures a strong environmental awareness. Old magazine pages were rolled up to form sticks. These were shaped to form a human figure. The figure is painted and prepared. Lastly the painted patterned pages were cut, folded, twisted and pasted to make the dress and headscarf. The arms were manipulated to add some life to the figure. We love how each figure is unique and testifies to her creator’s inventiveness.
Autor: Carina Turck-Clark, Creative Arts Teacher
