Lesson Plan
Reimagining Masterpieces
Students will be able to identify key characteristics of classic art movements and creatively reinterpret a classic artwork using modern techniques and personal expression.
This lesson makes art history come alive by connecting timeless masterpieces with contemporary artistic practices, empowering students to see themselves as part of a continuing artistic dialogue.
Audience
9th Grade Class
Time
120 minutes
Approach
Through analysis, discussion, and hands-on creation, students will blend historical art with modern styles.
Materials
From Renaissance to Remix (slide-deck), Art Movements Through Time (reading), My Modern Masterpiece (project), Remix Project Assessment (rubric), and Art supplies (paper, pencils, paints, digital art tools, etc.)
Prep
Prepare Materials
30 minutes
- Review all generated materials: From Renaissance to Remix, Art Movements Through Time, My Modern Masterpiece, and Remix Project Assessment.
- Gather art supplies: paper, pencils, paints, markers, clay, digital art tools (if applicable).
- Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck presentation.
- Print copies of Art Movements Through Time and My Modern Masterpiece for each student.
Step 1
Introduction: What's Your Vibe?
15 minutes
- Begin with a warm-up activity asking students to share their favorite modern artists or art styles. (5 minutes)
- Introduce the lesson:
Step 2
Exploring Art History: From Renaissance to Remix
30 minutes
- Present the From Renaissance to Remix (slide-deck), guiding students through key art movements and classic artworks. (15 minutes)
- Facilitate a class discussion: What elements make these classic artworks iconic? How do these elements reflect the time period? (10 minutes)
- Distribute Art Movements Through Time (reading) for students to review as homework or in class. (5 minutes)
Step 3
Brainstorming Modern Masterpieces
20 minutes
- Explain the
Step 4
Introducing the Project: My Modern Masterpiece
15 minutes
- Distribute and review the My Modern Masterpiece (project) guide with students. (10 minutes)
- Go over the Remix Project Assessment (rubric) to ensure students understand the expectations and grading criteria. (5 minutes)
Step 5
Work Session: Remix in Progress
30 minutes
- Allow students dedicated time to begin working on their
Step 6
Wrap-Up: Share and Reflect
10 minutes
- Have students share their chosen classic artwork and their initial ideas for their modern remix with a partner or small group. (7 minutes)
- Assign the completion of the
Slide Deck
Art History Remix: Your Modern Masterpiece
How can you make old art new again?
Get ready to explore classic art and give it your own modern twist!
Welcome students and get them thinking about art. Ask them to think about their favorite modern artists or art styles. This helps activate prior knowledge and connect to their world.
What is Art History?
Art history is the story of human creativity through different times and cultures.
Artists throughout history have influenced each other.
Today, we'll see how you can join that conversation!
Introduce the idea of art history as a conversation across time. Emphasize that art is always evolving and influencing new artists.
The Renaissance: Rebirth of Ideas
Time Period: 14th - 17th Century (Europe)
Key Characteristics:
- Realism and Humanism: Focus on human experience and realistic representation.
- Perspective: Creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface.
- Iconic Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael
Think: How does this art show people and the world?
Focus on the key characteristics of Renaissance art: realism, perspective, humanism. Show examples like the Mona Lisa or The Last Supper.
Impressionism: Capturing a Moment
Time Period: Late 19th Century (France)
Key Characteristics:
- Light and Color: Emphasis on how light changes color and mood.
- Brushstrokes: Visible, loose brushstrokes to capture fleeting moments.
- Subject Matter: Everyday life, landscapes, cityscapes.
- Iconic Artists: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas
Think: How is this different from Renaissance art?
Introduce Impressionism, highlighting its break from traditional realism, focus on light and fleeting moments. Show examples like Monet's Water Lilies or Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party.
Pop Art: Everyday Life as Art
Time Period: Mid-20th Century (Britain & USA)
Key Characteristics:
- Popular Culture: Incorporating images from advertising, comic books, and everyday objects.
- Bold Colors and Graphics: Often uses bright, flat colors and strong outlines.
- Commentary: Often questions consumerism and mass media.
- Iconic Artists: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring
Think: What modern things could be art?
Move to Pop Art, focusing on its use of popular culture and commercial images. Show examples like Andy Warhol's soup cans or Lichtenstein's comic book panels.
The 'Remix' Idea: Blending Old and New
A 'remix' takes something familiar and gives it a new spin.
In art, this means:
- Taking a classic artwork.
- Adding elements from a modern art movement.
- Or using contemporary techniques, themes, or materials.
Why do artists remix? To make a new statement! To connect with new audiences!
Encourage students to think about how these different styles could be combined or reimagined. Ask them what 'modern' art means to them today.
Your Project: My Modern Masterpiece
You will choose a classic artwork and reimagine it through a modern lens.
Think about:
- What classic artwork inspires you?
- What modern art style or technique could you use?
- What message will your remix convey?
Check out your My Modern Masterpiece (project) guide and Remix Project Assessment (rubric) for all the details!
Introduce the project guide and rubric. Explain that they will choose a classic artwork and reimagine it. Emphasize creativity and understanding of both historical and modern elements.
Ready to Remix?
Art is a conversation that never ends. Now it's your turn to add your voice!
Good luck creating your modern masterpiece!
Conclude by reiterating the goal of the project: to make art history relevant and personal. Encourage them to be creative and have fun.
Reading
Art Movements Through Time
Art is a reflection of the world around us. Throughout history, artists have developed different styles, techniques, and ideas that we now categorize into "art movements." Understanding these movements helps us appreciate the context and meaning behind famous artworks.
The Renaissance (c. 1300s - 1600s)
Originating in Italy, the Renaissance was a period of immense cultural, artistic, political, and scientific
Project Guide
My Modern Masterpiece Project Guide
Objective: To creatively reinterpret a classic artwork by blending historical context with contemporary artistic techniques and personal expression.
Project Description:
Choose a classic artwork (from any period we've discussed or that you research) and create a "remix" of it. Your remix should incorporate elements from a modern art movement or use contemporary artistic techniques, materials, or themes. This is your chance to put a fresh spin on art history!
Project Steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Classic Artwork
- Select a classic artwork that genuinely interests you. It could be a painting, sculpture, or even a photograph. Consider artworks from the Renaissance, Impressionism, or other historical periods.
- Explain your choice: Why did you choose this artwork? What about it appeals to you? What is its historical context or original meaning?
Step 2: Research and Analyze
- Research your chosen artwork and its original artist. Understand its key features, techniques, and the message it conveyed in its original time.
- Research a modern art movement (e.g., Pop Art, Street Art, Digital Art, Surrealism) or contemporary artistic techniques that you feel could complement or contrast with your chosen classic artwork.
Step 3: Brainstorm Your Remix Concept
- How will you reinterpret the classic artwork?
- Style: Will you transform the style into a modern aesthetic (e.g., make a Renaissance portrait look like a Pop Art piece)?
- Medium: Will you change the medium (e.g., turn a painting into a digital collage, a sculpture into a mixed-media piece)?
- Theme/Message: Will you update the theme or message to reflect contemporary issues or your personal perspective?
- Elements: Will you add new elements, remove some, or alter existing ones significantly?
- Sketch out a few ideas. Don't be afraid to experiment!
Step 4: Create Your Modern Masterpiece
- Using your chosen medium and techniques, create your remix.
- Pay attention to how your modern elements interact with the classic ones. The goal is a cohesive and thoughtful reinterpretation.
Step 5: Artist Statement
- Write a brief artist statement (150-250 words) that explains:
- The classic artwork you chose and why.
- The modern art movement/techniques you incorporated.
- Your creative choices and what you aimed to achieve with your remix.
- The message or idea your modern masterpiece conveys.
Deliverables:
- Your "Modern Masterpiece" Artwork: The completed physical or digital artwork.
- Project Guide with Research & Brainstorming: The completed sections of this guide.
- Artist Statement: A written explanation of your artwork.
Rubric
Remix Project Assessment Rubric
Project Name: My Modern Masterpiece: Art History Remix
Student Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
| Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Approaches Expectations | 1 - Needs Significant Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice of Artwork & Research | Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the chosen classic artwork and its historical context; extensive research into modern art elements. | Clearly identifies the chosen classic artwork and its context; demonstrates understanding of relevant modern art elements. | Identifies a classic artwork but research on context or modern elements is limited. | Does not clearly identify a classic artwork or show evidence of research. |
| Creative Reinterpretation (Remix) | Exceptionally creative and thoughtful blending of classic and modern elements, resulting in a unique and impactful artwork. | Effectively blends classic and modern elements to create a cohesive and meaningful reinterpretation. | Attempts to blend classic and modern elements, but the connection or execution is weak. | Little to no evidence of creative reinterpretation; artwork appears copied or disconnected. |
| Artistic Techniques & Execution | Superior skill and craftsmanship in applying chosen artistic techniques; artwork is meticulously executed. | Competent application of artistic techniques; artwork is well-executed with attention to detail. | Basic application of artistic techniques; some areas of the artwork show a lack of refinement. | Little to no evidence of artistic skill or effort; execution is poor. |
| Artist Statement | Comprehensive, insightful, and articulate explanation of artistic choices, themes, and message; clearly connects to project objectives. | Clear and concise explanation of artistic choices, themes, and message; generally aligns with project objectives. | Statement is present but lacks clarity or depth in explaining artistic choices or themes. | Artist statement is missing, incomplete, or does not address the project objectives. |
| Effort & Engagement | Consistently demonstrates high levels of effort, engagement, and initiative throughout the project. | Demonstrates consistent effort and engagement in completing the project. | Shows inconsistent effort or engagement; project may be rushed or incomplete. | Little to no effort or engagement; project is largely incomplete or shows minimal investment. |