Art History: Dia de los Muertos

Cezanne by Kelsey4415

Dia de los muertos is a three day Mexican holiday to celebrate and honor loved ones who have died. Students were asked to find an artist they admire who had died to honor. We were inspired by a local Houston artist, Carlos Hernandez who creates prints in honor of deceased rock stars.

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Our SCIS skeleton buddy stopped by the art studio to pose for students! While others did art history research for their artwork.

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Students researched artists and were asked to find facts about the artist's life and understand the artist's style. The variety of artists was a pleasant surprise and showed the diversity of interests the student's hold. After the students returned with their artist we looked at a variety of Day of the Dead artwork for inspiration.
Students were asked to include five visual elements that would showcase the artist's life and work in their final image. A skeleton was brought in from one of our science labs for reference while students sketched out their design. The background is created on black paper with a niche shape to reference an alter.
The foreground will focus on the main skeleton created on a separate white piece of paper. Students collage elements together to create the finished piece. Students use a variety of materials based on their artist's style, their personal design.
Not only are students getting to honor one of their favorite artists, learn about a cultural tradition, and learn new techniques but they are starting to appreciate the artistic tastes of their fellow classmates and seeing how they can work and learn together in an art studio environment.

Monet sketch to plan design

Magritte by Victoria6780

Monet by Cassidy2255

O'Keeffe by Madeline3546