Through the use of digital media platforms, examples of murals can be found from across the globe. Mural art also has context within students’ own communities. Teaching the rich history of murals in Chicago, starting with the Wall of Respect mural that sparked a nation-wide community mural movement, approaching topics ranging from social justice to community solidarity, is significant to my students as both residents and as artists of Chicago. Exemplars touch on important critical issues of today: mass incarceration, colonialism, and COVID-19.
Murals reflect the nuanced understandings of the communities in which they exist, serving as affirmations of the rich culture within them. Chicago murals have a rich historical context, and they are both relevant and accessible to the lives of students. This project challenges the status quo of “high art” as the foundation of art curricula. The use of mural art, combined with digital technology, serves to validate the aesthetic interests of students.
Utilizing iPads with digital drawing applications, students will explore context, composition, color, and style of mural art. Students will select a specific locale of significance to them where they will digitally transpose their work. Informed by traditional mural techniques and taking inspiration from the work of exemplary mural artists, students will utilize digital drawing applications to create their own mural designs.
About my class
Through the use of digital media platforms, examples of murals can be found from across the globe. Mural art also has context within students’ own communities. Teaching the rich history of murals in Chicago, starting with the Wall of Respect mural that sparked a nation-wide community mural movement, approaching topics ranging from social justice to community solidarity, is significant to my students as both residents and as artists of Chicago. Exemplars touch on important critical issues of today: mass incarceration, colonialism, and COVID-19.
Murals reflect the nuanced understandings of the communities in which they exist, serving as affirmations of the rich culture within them. Chicago murals have a rich historical context, and they are both relevant and accessible to the lives of students. This project challenges the status quo of “high art” as the foundation of art curricula. The use of mural art, combined with digital technology, serves to validate the aesthetic interests of students.
Utilizing iPads with digital drawing applications, students will explore context, composition, color, and style of mural art. Students will select a specific locale of significance to them where they will digitally transpose their work. Informed by traditional mural techniques and taking inspiration from the work of exemplary mural artists, students will utilize digital drawing applications to create their own mural designs.
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