Online curriculum developed around the theme defining what is art. The unit focuses on the work of ten artists and includes selected works, artist's biographical information, iconography or meaning of selected work, style characteristics, discussion questions, vocabulary, lesson activities and plans (written in student language), local student art, embedded discussion board, comment archives and New News focused on art and art education in Minnesota.
This unit is part of ArtsNet Minnesota, a collaborative online curriculum resource developed by the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, and Minnesota Museum of American Art.
Humans have been creating art since prehistoric times. Each culture and historic time seems to have its own definition of what is art and what is not. Each culture creates its own ideal aesthetic perceptions. Studying the varied kinds of art and asking questions about the role art plays within cultures is a fascinating topic that can fill a lifetime. In the 20th century, artists often have created works that raise questions about art itself. "What is art?" is not a simple question with only one correct answer. Philosophers who explore possible answers to this question are called aestheticians. For grades K-12 the objective for a lesson focused on aesthetics is the discussion itself--not a consensus of agreement.
1. Africa, Zaire, Kongo, Nail Figure (nkisi nkondi), 19th century, wood, vegetable fibers, and metal, H.15 in., Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2. England, Higham Manor, Suffolk, The Tudor Room, about 1600, carved oak, Minneapolis Institute of Arts
3. Donald Judd, Untitled, 1969, anodized aluminum, ten elements: 27 x 24 x 6 in. each box, Walker Art Center
4. Mimbres Classic Black-on-White Bowl (geometric/insect design), clay, H.4 in. diameter 8-5/8 in., The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
5. Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Spoonbridge and Cherry, 1985-1988, aluminum, stainless steel, paint, 354 x 618 x 162 in., Walker Art Center
6. Thailand (Blue Hmong), Ceremonial Skirt, 20th century, cotton and synthetic materials, H. 25, W. 35 in., Minneapolis Institute of Arts
7. Robert Rauschenberg, Trophy II (for Teeny and Marcel Duchamp), 1960, oil, charcoal, paper, fabric, metal on canvas, drinking glass (not original), metal chain, spoon, 90 x 118 in., Walker Art Center