In Grade 8, students practiced using the elements and principles of art to talk about an artwork. After learning that it was a tile mosaic from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, they discussed the characteristics of Islamic geometry and how abstract art can communicate a mood or feeling to an audience using colors, shapes, and sometimes symbols. Students then saw how Islamic art has influenced the work of many other cultures and artists, such as M.C. Escher.
Now that we have explored how colors communicate differently based on our own personal experiences, students are taking on the challenge of making their own repeating patterns that will surround them with feelings of happiness and positivity. Our own learning space will become a celebration of the things that make us feel safe, welcome, and at peace. Students are encouraged to use either traditional materials like drafting compass and ruler, or to experiment with the symmetrical drawing guide on Procreate.
