Asia Pacific International School
Hawaii
Art and Activism
Authors: Erin Hall
Grades: 9,10,11
Subjects: Art and Social Activism
Timeline: 16 weeks
Essential Question
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How can the visual arts help in fighting for social justice?
Project Description​
This course focuses on the artist as an activist for social justice. Students in this class explore communicating visually and will choose a social issue about which they feel strongly and express their opinion in a clear, powerful way. Students will create artwork that indicates the artist has taken a stand on an issue and is compelling the viewer to react to their statement.
Project Extensions and Real World Connections:
Bullying, Suicide, Equality, Veterans, PTSD, Global Warming, Animal Rights, Racism, Sustainability, Beach Clean Up
Products and Exhibition
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Each student completed an art piece in conjunction with a presentation that will be presented at Final Exhibition
Reflections (student and teacher)
This has been my favorite class to teach this semester. The students have been genuinely interested and motivated to work in class. They have pride when sharing and discussing their projects. Some of them will have exhibition opportunities outside of school.(ie Waikiki aquarium, non profit website, etc).
Standards Addressed:
Anchor Standard #1. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. Anchor Standard #2. Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. Anchor Standard #3. Refine and complete artistic work. Anchor Standard #6. Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work. Anchor Standard #10. Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. Anchor Standard #11. Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
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