DESCRIPTION: Students write two short stories that are inspired by tow artworks, one representational and one abstract.

OBJECTIVES: Through the use of writing comparisons, students learn not only how to appreciate abstract art but also learn to make similar kinds of choices while writing about art that artists make in producing art.

PROCEDURE: A. Ask students to choose a work that is representational.

Write a short story that incorporates elements from this work. Your story should have characters (Who?), a setting (Where?) and some type of action (What?). For example, if you choose a landscape, the subject of this painting would be the setting and you must imagine the characters and action for the story. Or, the work of art may have both characters and setting and you would decide on the action that will take place.

(Students will have 10 minutes to write their short stories. Volunteers read their stories out loud.)

B. Ask students to choose a work that is abstract.

Discuss how setting and character (e.g. subjects) have been replaced by mood or structure in many abstract works. Write another short story or poem that reflects the mood or structure of an abstract work. Some questions to get students thinking are--How would you feel if you were a shape or color inside this work? What types of movements or tension can you see (i.e. pushing, pulling, balance, etc.)?

(Students will have 10 minutes to write their short stories. Volunteers read their stories out loud.) Compare the two stories.

VARIATION: Looking at 6 works decide which works would act as the beginning, middle and end of your story and explain why.

MINNESOTA GRADUATION STANDARDS:
(1) Read, View, Listen
(2) Write and Speak
(3) Literature and the Arts
(5) Inquiry

Age level: Appropriate for grades 7 and up.
Artworks used: Abstract and representational paintings.
Props needed: Paper and pencils.
Related to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: No
Notes: Be aware that this activity takes some time. Before you begin the activity, limit their choice to six works that you have already discussed and be sure that you have provided some background for the works used. A good activity for teachers who request a language arts experience.


© 1998 WALKER ART CENTER