Oct 28, 2012

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.


23 comments:

  1. These are super gorgeous. I would totally wear these!!!

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    1. Thanks Sunnylee. You're right, these would make some great fabric prints : )

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  2. Those turned out really neat! I have been considering how to do a mosaic with a limited budget; a collage is a great idea!

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  3. Really effective - I love the ones that have kept similar sizes in different areas of the page. I think I will borrow this idea, thanks!

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth, I'll keep an eye on your blog : )

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  4. I imagine the kids enjoyed this lesson. I like that you encouraged deliberate decisions in colour matching. It isn't always obvious to kids that they are in control. The other goal that has an effective result in the finished art is the 'no touching' rule. Nice lesson Mr Hall!

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  5. Thanks Gretchen, you're so right on both counts. I think these were the details that made them special : )

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  6. Congratulations on these mosaics. Your students have managed to combine very well the shapes and colors. The resultadoes is fantastic.

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  7. great job! Your lessons are amazing, I think your students love you!!

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  8. Thanks Miriam! I love visiting your own blog - it's really inspiring : )

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  9. These are really lovely! Great results! :)

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  10. I am normally not a fan of the neon color palette but I have to hand it to you that these work beautifully with all of the neons! I especially like looking at the completed pieces that are really densely packed because you can see how carefully they had to fit the shapes together. Well done.

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  11. I know what you mean about the neon! I really like the way some students used both fluoro and non-fluoro colours together. Thanks Andrea : )

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  12. very cool, joe. they look great! i've always found that abstraction like this has a high degree of success for students. they arent overly concerned with making things look real, like a flower or person, and can get into the process more easily.

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  13. Thanks Don. I'm a big fan of your own blog : )

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  14. I love this project! This would be a great thing to leave for the kids to do at any grade level when there is a substitute! Love the colors...I'm definitely stealing this! ;)

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  15. These are very cool!! So visually appealing!

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  16. How did I miss these gorgeous collages? They are wonderful!! Matisse would certainly approve! :)

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  17. Excellent idea. What a great blog. My Scottish children will really enjoy this!

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