Grade 5/6 ~ Code Red mixed media artworks

During Term 1, the Grade 5/6 students completed an integrated unit on 'Code Red', investigating a range of natural disasters and artists' impressions of these disasters. They explored the elements of line and shape to create their own mixed media artwork of a chosen natural disaster. Form, colour and texture were also explored when creating and modelling their artwork.

To begin, we shared the book called 'The Great Wave' and discussed Hokusai's famous wood block print (also linking in with the students' Asia Literacy topic of Japan).

We then discussed the many different types of natural disasters (tsunami, flood, bushfire, cyclone, avalanche, storm, volcanic eruption, hurricane etc) and we explored some artwork by a variety of artists, portraying natural disasters. In particular, we looked at some Indigenous artists and their interpretations of natural disasters ('Big Cyclone Story' by Mercy Fredericks and 'Bushfire Dreaming' by Ronnie Tjampitjinpa).

Students then chose a natural disaster to represent in a mixed media artwork and began sketching their ideas and experimenting with the variety of media available for this project (magiclay, sculpt-it, papier mache, modroc, paint).

Then it was time to build up their designs and give their artwork some form and texture. Magiclay proved to be a popular material, as did the modroc. The sculpt-it was quite heavy on the background card, but once dry, produced an interesting effect.

The final touches were added with paint and a sprinkling of other materials (tissue paper, cellophane, corrugated card, sand, foil etc).

As you can see, the finished artworks look so eye-catching and when you see them up close, you will notice the contrasting textures of the materials used in each one. Well done Grade 5/6 ~ you worked really hard on these!