PORTRAITS THROUGH OBJECTS

This is an eight-week unit of learning in which students will explore the principles of line, shape and space by creating a series of one-colour lino prints. Inspired by the artist Camilla Catrambone, students will investigate the representation of a person through carefully selected inanimate objects. Students will work collaboratively in groups to set up an assemblage of symbolic objects, creating an ‘object portrait’ that captures the character of a particular person without the person being present. Through preliminary observational studies in their Visual Art Sketchpad, students will explore how these objects and the stories they can tell offer an alternative way to record the appearance of someone. Learners will formulate knowledge of composition and positive and negative space, and develop an understanding of the block printing process and printmaking techniques such as chine-collé as they prepare their final design and create a series of prints.