DESCRIPTION: Students "converse" with squares of colored paper.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this activity is for students to understand, by participation, the nature or modern art.

PROCEDURE: At this level, it is used to help students examine their preconceptions. (Divide students in pairs. Have each pair place a blank sheet of paper between them. Provide a pack of twelve colored squares for each group.) Using the colored squares, carry on a conversation with your partner without speaking. First, place a square on the paper, and then your partner should place an "answer" on the page. Continue this process until you have used all of your squares. Let's discuss the rules which evolved as you played the game. Did you know what it would look like before you started? Did you develop any rules? Do you think you were really communicating? What? What type of thinking did you use? Was one color used aggressively? Were other colors used passively? Did the squares overlap or did you keep your parts separate? Did you attempt to create a design or representation? Let's look at some of the art here and see if the artists can make us think the same way when there are not rules.

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

Age level: Grades 3 and up.
Artworks used: Abstract paintings or sculptures.
Props needed: Paper and colored squares.
Related to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: No
Notes: A good introductory activity.


© 1998 WALKER ART CENTER