Art

Visual Art at APPS

In Art sessions we communicate ideas using images and we think about how art tells stories. Making art enables us to express an idea or communicate a message without talking or writing. Making our own art also helps us to understand why and how other artists make art.

Interpreting other artists’ work can often require some careful investigation and discussion. Students discover ways to interpret the messages hidden inside paintings, sculptures or installations and are encouraged to look carefully for the clues that each artist has left. As we explore the work, the students develop a greater appreciation for Art and the artist. Discovering how other artists have approached similar problems helps to extend our own ideas. How did JMW Turner make the sea look so wild? Why do Andy Warhol’s prints stand out? What is the meaning of those patterns in an indigenous painting? Sometimes we travel by tram straight to the NGV to experience these artworks in real life.

From Prep, students are encouraged to use their imagination and experiences to make artworks. By grade 1 and 2 students begin to observe what is happening around them and can communicate a wider range of experiences through their artwork. In grade 3 and 4 we look to other cultures and artists to broaden the range of techniques and understand what motivates others to make art. By grade 5 and 6, students are encouraged to make their own choices about which materials to use to best express their ideas. At the end of primary school, students have had many opportunities to develop confidence using different materials enabling them to communicate their own ideas and understand concepts portrayed by other artists.

Have a look at some of our students’ latest work here - https://sites.google.com/education.vic.gov.au/appsvisualart/home

Here are some wonderful examples of how our students have worked with clay, threads, paint and pastel this semester. Self-portraits with vivid expressionist colours, birds in flight that have been intricately crafted with clay and animals (inspired by the Tjanpi weavers) made using colourful wool and raffia.

Artwork for Reconciliation Week Assembly May 2018

These puppets were made expecially to complement the celebration song -Boon Wurrung Totem Song - as part of Reconciliation Week, May 2018. Bunjil and the animals were made collaboratively by grade 4 and 5 students and proudly paraded at this assembly. A video of the parade follows the photos.

Watch the video - IMG_2704.MOV