Abstract Mosaic Collage

Collage and/or Mosaic. I'm not sure if these artworks are the result of one or the other, or both? Your learned opinions are always welcome!

This year 2 class was asked to choose 3 coloured papers to free-cut various shapes from (no pre-drawing or planning). Each piece was glued down immediately, ideally starting at one corner or end and working their way across the paper sticking more pieces side by side. The goal was that each piece would not be touching another.

The children were encouraged to make deliberate decisions about what colour should go next to another. The process of cutting and sticking one piece at a time also helped them to consider what new shape would compliment the existing shapes. The art was intended to be non representational, but also not be a repetitive or obvious pattern. Of course with their vivid imaginations they still managed to see all kinds of interesting things!

So my rules/suggestions/guidelines weren't always adhered to, but I didn't really remind them too much. Some students only ever need to hear something once, others may never hear! Some students wanted more colours which was fine and one or two ended up pre-drawing some of their shapes which was fine too. As with all abstract art, these won't be everyone's ‘cup of tea’, but both the students and myself were really happy with the results — mission accomplished.