Invitation

Overview

            Art is something that surrounds us in every aspect of our lives.  Whether it is a song on the radio, a sculpture in the park, or a hit movie, all of these things are creations of art, and they were all made with the intention of sending a message to their audience.  The theme of this unit is not only to look at the art that we encounter every day, but also to delve deeper and try to imagine what message the artist is sending.

With the three engagements in this invitation, students are introduced to different sociopolitical messages portrayed in song and sculpture.  They are then invited to create their own work of art representing some message they feel should be present in society.  In introducing the students to a somewhat popular song that appeals to their interests, it is desired that students may start to think of other songs (either in English or Spanish) that could have a deeper meaning as well.  Looking at the sculpture, and pointing out that we are surrounded by paintings and sculptures in many public and private spaces, it may invite students to study these works of art with a more critical eye instead of just admiring the aesthetic appeal from afar.

In asking the questions that go along with studying the different forms of art in this invitation, students are not only looking at this art from their own perspective, but also forced to see where the artist is coming from and what message is to be received by the audience.  More often than not, the messages that are hidden within the visual or auditory appeal of art are extremely relevant to many people who enjoy them.  It is not common for students to listen to a song and look beyond the catchy lyrics or strong bass element; introducing students to this new element in art gets them to break the mold and begin to view things such as popular songs with a more important goal.