DESCRIPTION: Students imagine spending one year on a deserted island and select one work of art from the collection to accompany them on their lengthy stay.

OBJECTIVES: Students learn the diverse nature of modern art and the difference between an informed judgment and a personal preference.

PROCEDURE: As students introduce the work that they choose, introduce information about the work and the artist. What is the difference between an informed judgment and a personal preference? While many of us don't have the information to make judgments, we all have personal preferences, that is, we like one artwork more than another. Even art professionals, even "I" have personal preferences. Let's see if we can find out what each of our personal preferences are. Imagine that you are exiled on a deserted island or a space station, or under sea, or a cabin in the woods, or in the middle of the ocean. You will have to stay on the island for one year. However, you are in luck! You may select one work of art from Walker Art Center's collection to have with you for the length of your stay. Given this situation your task is to decide which work of art it will be. Take time now to walk through the galleries and select a work of art to take to the island. When you have made your selections we will discuss several of your choices and the criteria used in making the elections. What qualities were you looking for in the work? Was it a difficult decision? What works would you absolutely not take along? Why? Could you live for one year with a painting that you didn't like?

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

Age level: Appropriate for grades 7 and up.
Artworks used: Students choose the artworks.
Props needed: No props needed.
Related to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Yes
Notes: Because students will each choose one artwork, this activity woulc be used as the basis for an entire tour.


© 1998 WALKER ART CENTER