Portraits & Identity
Please note that this workshop will only be running until Fri 30th March 2012.
Investigate relationships between people and objects through a range of artworks in our permanent collections and special exhibitions. Students use critical studies to inform analysis and photography and drawing techniques to document observations.
Aims (Skills, Knowledge, Activity, Result)
- To broaden understanding of ways artists make portraits.
- To develop ideas by making notes, drawings and photographs.
- To discuss how objects, symbols, gesture, composition etc are used.
- To return to school with a variety of starting points and ideas for work.
What happens in a workshop
We start by looking at a traditional 18th Century portrait discussing gesture, costume, sense of time and place etc. Each student then produces a mind map using written and visual notes to explore their personal identity. We view a contemporary painting, focusing on the use of objects as symbols. Pupils make links with their own sense of identity, considering which objects represent their personality. They produce a large line drawing, working directly on paper with coloured tapes. In the Gallery of Craft and Design, students use objects and images to further discuss symbolism, gesture, colour and mood. They consider composition when planning and making a self-portrait Polaroid photograph. Students are encouraged to explore ideas for their own work and feel confident using the gallery for independent research.
Prepare for your visit
- Introduce students to the theme of portraits and discuss a variety of images.
- Discuss with students the value of using real art works as inspiration and how this experience might differ from looking at reproductions.
- Explain the reasons for no touching or eating in the galleries, i.e. for the protection and conservation of artworks.
- Encourage students to gain a sense of their own identity and consider how this might inform a self-portrait.
- Find out how to plan your visit, including booking information, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment.
