"We did 3 different projects that allowed art students to be able to work together and collaborate to build pieces that emphasized and highlighted that art unites us. Some created their contribution to pieces in person in class while for others the art was creates at home. Live instruction was provided either way. The results when each individual piece was collected and then connected were beautiful large scale artworks we displayed in the school and shared with the world on our arts instagram. Here is a summary of my two favourite "Together Apart in art class" pieces that we created.
1) inspired by incredible Canadian textile artist Libs Elliott - grade 9 and 10 artists created this beautiful quilt design! Working across cohorts the groups of art students never met each other but managed to collaborate and connect with art as they studied balance and unity through shape, space & colour. Then they compared their process and designs to that of Ms. Elliott.
2) An introduction to acrylic paint & applying colour theory knowledge to trick the eye! Students studied Op Art and looked at the early origins of the movement and where it's at today. The inspiration for this work was and artist "thankyoux".
The changing optical illusion within each cube was interesting in itself but the best part was seeing how the bigger illusion worked; new cubes being formed by the sides of neighbouring cubes. Each individual student artist was directly connected to others to create something bigger and better than their work was alone!
We have another 62 quilt squares and 60 cubes ready to add to each of these art works! I hope to unveil and display the full scale pieces to celebrate and welcome students back school when things return to normal!
I think my favourite thing about these collaborative projects is that they are living art works; they have kept changing, growing and expanding as the year went on. The results were dependent on others: if any one individual work was pulled out or missing the greater piece was significantly diminished. This constant evolution and inter-connectivity is really what being a student and being an artist is all about - pandemic or not!" - Michelle Massaro
