DESCRIPTION: Students interpret works of art by imagining what a work of art would tell about itself.

OBJECTIVES: Students look closely at an artwork for a period of time and learn how art can communicate something/some idea about other people and places.

PROCEDURE: A biography tells the story of a person's life. When a person tells their own story it is called an autobiography. If you were telling me your autobiography you might talk about your family, where you live, where you were born, what things you like to do, what trips you've taken, etc.

Let's look carefully at a work of art. Now, I will ask you some questions and you pretend that you are the artwork talking to the class. Remember, your answers should be based on what you see in the work because an autobiography should be the true story. Each of you take turns telling one part of the autobiography and I will tape record (NOTE: you don't have to record this) your part so that we can listen to the whole autobiography when we are done. Who would like to begin?

Ask questions such as, "How old are you?" "What kind of clothes are you wearing?" "How do you like to wear your hair?"

Now that you have given me the true autobiography based on what you could see, I want you to make up answers to these questions: this part of the autobiography will be make-believe. You should, however, be able to get some clues by looking closely at the work of art.

"Where do you live?" "What do you do with your free time?" "What kind of house do you live in?" "Do you have a brother or sister?" "What does he or she look like?" "What kind of day are you having?" "Are you a serious person or do you like to play games?" "What is your favorite T.V. show?"

Play back the tape and discuss how students have incorporated what they see into their imaginary autobiography. Then turn to nearby artworks with figures in them and/or a portrait and have the students and repeat the activity.

VARIATION: Split the students into two groups and have them carry on an imaginary conversation between the figures in two different artworks.

MINNESOTA GRADUATION STANDARDS:
(1) Read, View, Listen
(2) Write and Speak
(3) Literature and the Arts
(5) Inquiry

Age level: Appropriate for all ages.
Artworks used: Paintings or sculptures in which people are the focal point.
Props needed: Tape recorder and a 10 minute tape. (Optional.)
Related to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Yes
Notes: This activity should be done with at least two different artworks for comparison sake.


© 1998 WALKER ART CENTER