Celebrating ASM Visual Art Students
ASM is proud to showcase the creativity of our Visual Arts students in Grades 6 through 8. This semester, they have embraced two exciting projects that combine self-expression with social awareness. From creating surreal self-portraits to drawing inspiration from contemporary artist Shepard Fairey, these young artists are learning to see art as both personal and impactful.
Surreal Self-Portraits
Visual Arts students recently completed a unit on Surrealism, a movement that invites artists to explore beyond reality and dive into the subconscious. Surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí and Frida Kahlo challenged the norms of their time, creating dreamlike images that blurred the line between reality and fantasy.
Our students began by studying the history of Surrealism, including its social and political context. They learned how surrealist artists used art to express deeper ideas about society and the human mind. Through this exploration, students understood how art could be more than just a picture—it could convey complex messages and emotions.
Experimenting with Mixed Media Techniques
After studying Surrealism, students experimented with various materials, including ink, watercolor, collage, and pencil. They embraced risk-taking, a crucial part of the artistic process, and practiced using their intuition to guide them. By incorporating elements of the subconscious into their art, they revealed parts of themselves that might otherwise remain hidden.
For their final project, each student created a surreal self-portrait. These portraits expressed personal likes, dislikes, and even fears in surprising ways. The results were striking and highly personal, as each student’s work reflected their unique perspective and creativity. The mixed-media pieces showed not only their growing technical skills but also their ability to communicate inner thoughts through art.
Middle School Art Students Inspired by Shepard Fairey's "Obey" Exhibit
On October 25th, our middle school Mixed Media art students had an inspiring field trip to the Shepard Fairey “Obey” exhibit at La Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan. This visit gave them a firsthand look at the work of a renowned contemporary artist known for his bold style and commitment to social activism.
Shepard Fairey, famous for his “Hope” poster and street art, uses his work to make powerful statements about society, identity, and justice. During the guided tour, students learned about the creative process behind Fairey’s iconic pieces and the messages they convey. The exhibit sparked lively discussions among students about how art can inspire social change and challenge viewers to think more critically.
Reflecting on Art and Activism
The exhibit left many students inspired to use their own art to address important issues. They discussed how they could express ideas about causes they care about, using Fairey’s bold graphic style as a starting point. This experience encouraged students to see art as a tool for positive change, connecting their creativity with the world around them.
In the coming weeks, students will create artwork inspired by Fairey’s techniques and themes. By focusing on issues close to their hearts, they will aim to create art that speaks to their values and passions. We’re excited to see how they use this inspiration to create pieces that not only showcase their skills but also their desire to make a difference.
