EAST meets WEST

Grade 7 and 8 Project:  Artists utilized the elements of art shape, color, value, positive and negative space, and texture, principles of design pattern, rhythm, and balance, as well as drawing, painting, printmaking, stenciling, and collage to create symbols of their identity.

Adinkra symbols of West Africa were combined with each student's own unique symbols and Amharic stencils to create the final collaged works. (CLICK HERE to see the process for the project.)

EAST Meets WEST (process)

This is a project in which students study how artists use symbolism to create images of their identity. Grade 7 and 8 artists studied the Adinkra symbols of the Akan people of West Africa and combined that imagery and process with Amharic of Ethiopia.

Students utilized the elements of art color, value, positive and negative space, shape, and texture. Each artist also applied the principles of design pattern, rhythm, and balance. Students also engaged in drawing and designing the compositions, creating blended gradations, printmaking and stenciling, and collage of the final works. (Click here to see the final works)

Gradations using color and value

 Carving original symbols using linoleum blocks

Cutting of Amharic Stencils

Printing and Stenciling

Experimentations with Pattern and Rhythm

Printing the Original Student Symbols