Year 12 ATAR Art: Frida Kahlo Immersion Week
Our Year 12 ATAR students enjoyed a week-long immersive experience that allowed them to step into Frida Kahlo's world and gain a visual understanding of her life and art.
Following a movie screening with popcorn and dimmed lights to create a movie theatre experience the Visual Arts team introduced a learning pathway that would guide the students through the life and art of Frida Kahlo. The pathway aimed to deepen their understanding of her artistic journey, her struggles, and the impact she made on the art world.
Wednesday: Students gained a deeper appreciation for Frida Kahlo's artistic choices and the narratives embedded within her paintings. They understood how she used symbols, colours, and composition to express her personal experiences and emotions. Students created flower garlands learnt that Frida Kahlo adorned herself with beauty and participated in a photoshoot within the still life.
Students were invited to participate in a Mexican lunch, immersing themselves in Mexican culture and celebrating Frida Kahlo's life. The lunch was designed to create a festive and vibrant atmosphere, allowing students to experience the flavours and sounds of Mexico.
During the lunch, traditional Mexican dishes were served, such as tacos, guacamole, and salsa. The Visual Arts team collaborated with the College Cafeteria to ensure an authentic culinary experience. Students had the chance to savour the rich and diverse flavours of Mexican cuisine, expanding their cultural palate.
Thursday: As part of the Frida Kahlo Immersion Week, students engaged in a watercolour painting and drawing activity inspired by the symbols frequently used by Frida Kahlo in her artworks. The aim was to emulate her artistic style and incorporate the symbolic elements that held personal significance for her.
Friday: Students engaged in a collaborative learning experience by participating in a mind map activity on butcher's paper. Students will be given a Frida Kahlo pack containing notes and assessments task for Unit 4 work. In groups, discussing and brainstorming ideas related to the themes, symbolism, context, and artistic techniques employed by Frida Kahlo in each painting. The mind map will serve as a visual representation of the students' collective understanding of the artworks. They had the opportunity to share their insights and interpretations, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Overall, the Frida Kahlo Immersion week aimed to immerse students in the life, art, and legacy of this influential artist. By actively participating in various activities, watching the movie, creating artwork inspired by her style, and analysing her paintings, students developed a comprehensive understanding of Frida Kahlo's unique contributions to the art world and her enduring influence as an icon.
