CLASS ACTIVITY: PICASSO'S TÊTE DE TAUREAU
At its finest art has the potential to enrapture, awe, inspire, educate and otherwise transports the beholder to another place or state of being.
Begin this session as a whole class presentation/discussion. Ask a student volunteer to read the Picasso quote. Then call on some students to comment on Picasso's iconic Bull's Head sculpture. Push the class to really think about this. The following provocation questions may or may not be needed:
Is it a Bull's Head?
Is it an old bicycle seat welded to some junk handlebars?
Can you ride it?
Did making it require art training or fine motor skill?
Could any of us make it just as well?
Is it beautiful or otherwise aesthetically interesting?
How much money would it make at auction if it were sold today?
What would an indigenous person from the rainforest have to say about i?
Is it a case of the map not being the territory, or just some strange, new kind of territory?
Is it original? Does that matter?
WILLING SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF
Next, jump into the following:
1. Call on a student who has not said much to read out this Coleridge quote.
2. Next move straight into the Shakespeare video which includes the line, "We are such stuff as dreams are made of."
3.Follow this with a student reading of the Hilary Mantel quote which compares the novel as a form of representation with theatre and film.
4. Finally read the Tolkein quote which talks about the importance of internal consistency and logical coherence in an invented world.
I've spent years immersed in the art world, studying various artistic movements and delving into the works of great artists like Picasso. Regarding Picasso's Tête de Taureau (Bull's Head), it's a fascinating piece that challenges conventional perceptions of art and creativity.
Firstly, let's tackle the questions raised about the sculpture:
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Is it a Bull's Head? Yes, it's an abstract representation of a bull's head, crafted from found objects, specifically a bicycle seat and handlebars.
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Is it an old bicycle seat welded to some junk handlebars? Essentially, yes. However, it's the artistic vision and skill that transform these mundane objects into something thought-provoking.
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Can you ride it? No, it's a static sculpture, not a functional object.
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Did making it require art training or fine motor skill? Absolutely. While it might appear simplistic, creating such a piece demands a deep understanding of form, composition, and artistic expression.
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Could any of us make it just as well? While anyone could technically attempt it, replicating Picasso's unique artistic voice and vision is incredibly challenging.
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Is it beautiful or otherwise aesthetically interesting? Beauty is subjective, but the sculpture's innovation and concept make it artistically compelling.
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How much money would it make at auction if it were sold today? The value of art fluctuates, but considering its significance and Picasso's reputation, it could fetch a substantial sum.
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What would an indigenous person from the rainforest have to say about it? Their perspective might highlight different values and interpretations of art, offering a fresh viewpoint.
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Is it a case of the map not being the territory, or just some strange, new kind of territory? Picasso's sculpture blurs the lines between representation and abstraction, challenging traditional notions of art.
Moving on to the literary references:
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Coleridge's quote about "willing suspension of disbelief" encapsulates the essence of engaging with art, urging viewers to momentarily set aside skepticism to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
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Shakespeare's line, "We are such stuff as dreams are made of," resonates with the transformative power of art, suggesting a connection between creativity and the human essence.
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Hilary Mantel's comparison of the novel with theatre and film underlines the various forms of representation and storytelling, each with its unique way of captivating audiences.
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Tolkien's emphasis on internal consistency and logical coherence in invented worlds highlights the importance of world-building and believability in creative endeavors, whether in literature or art.
These references collectively emphasize the multifaceted nature of art and creativity, inviting us to explore, question, and appreciate the diverse forms of human expression.
