Lesson Topic and Description:
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In this Lesson students will consider the idea of symbolism and representation, and then create a self-portrait without using their face or body in the artwork. The teacher will engage the students in a discussion of Jordan Casteel’s portraits, then move on to portraits without people. Class will also discuss identity and symbolism. After the discussion students will brainstorm/start first drafts of their Self-Portrait without a person. Once they have laid out their draft, students will create a final piece, in either drawing/painting or collage format. Students will reflect on what is important to them and their identity. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on and express elements of themselves and have the opportunity to learn about their peers.

Enduring Understanding:

•  Students will understand that artists use symbolism to tell a story/give information.
• Students will understand that artists draw their ideas from personal experiences, and their personal narrative.
• Artists can communicate through symbolism.

Essential Questions:

• How do you represent a person in art
• How can you express who you are in your art?
• What is the power of everyday objects/things? Can they be used to represent a person?

Massachusetts State Standards Addressed:  

• 3-5.V.CR.03. Refine and complete artistic work.
• 3-5. V. P. 06 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
• 3-5.V.R.08: Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
• 3-5.V. Co.10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Learning Objectives:

• The students will explore identity.
•  Students will create an artwork based on elements of their Identity using symbolism.
• The students will show through imagery and brainstorming worksheet how they see themselves and what is important in their lives based on their final artwork.

Performance Task:

• The final product will be a drawing/painting/2D artwork that the student considers represents part of their identity.
• Students will prepare a written or verbal artist statement to accompany the artwork.

Continuum of Assessments:

• All students will be encouraged to participate in the class discussion.
• Open-ended material list.
• Self-Portraits are based on students personal experience, culture and identity.
• This Lesson works virtually as the students will be able to use materials they already have at home and the amount of materials needed is optional.