Culture and Heritage

As a class, room 29 will be visiting the Auckland Art Gallery on the 8th of August.

We have been looking at some events which happened in New Zealand during the 1980's such as the Springbok's tour, the Stock market Crash and Anti-Nuclear Testing in the Pacific Protests. In particular we became very interested in the anti-nuclear topic, and what happened to the Rainbow Warrior.

We also took the time to look at some news stand banners, and even came across some which dated back over 150 years.

The focus for these activities was to discuss how environmental and political issues can influence artists and the work they create.

We will now start looking at how cultural knowledge is passed through generations, via art. Of course this will include the meaning of the art work, and the specific techniques which may also be part of a culture.

Before we go to the gallery, we do have some research to do. I have included some website links to help you with this research. You will need to:
1. Look around the home, community and our school for different textures.
2. Research 1950's New Zealand e.g. what was happening, what did it look like, who was around etc.
3. Look at the Auckland Gallery forum for personal stories and photos from this time period.
4. Consider what you expect to find, learn, feel, see, experience, and hear at the gallery. Please make sure you include these thoughts in your postings.
5. Spend some time researching cartoons, specifically how faces are drawn, and have a go at drawing some faces in a cartoon style.
6. Find out about some of these artists, Arnold Manaaki Wilson, Katerina Mataira, Ralph Hotere, Selwyn Wilson and Muru Walters. Maybe consider who they are, where they come from, what there art is like, and how their art links with their culture. See what you can find.

I look forward to reading your postings, and I am really looking forward to our art gallery visit. I hope you are too.