ART:21 Big Idea Lesson: Paradox

1) Opening Discussion:

-What is paradox?
-What are examples of contradictions?
-How can we physically creating paradox in the process of art making?
-In what aspects of life do we see duality? (Socially, Physically, Culturally)

2) Show Art:21 video on Mark Bradford
http://www.pbs.org/art21/artists/mark-bradford

3) Take a closer look at Bradford's work:

"The Devil is Beating His Wife"

-Discuss the idea of two conditions happening at the same time

• Example: sunshine during rain. What could this mean metaphorically?

"A Truly Rich Man"

-Discuss contradictions regarding utopia

• "A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms even when his hands are empty

-Discuss collage vs. de-collage 

• What expressions are evoked from one technique versus the other?

4) Assignment:

-Choose a particular paradox or contradiction 

-Using Mark Bradford's work as inspiration, create a mixed media

collage that depicts the chosen contradiction 

-Must use at least three different mediums 

-Materials can include, but are not limited to:

• paint 
• ink
• paper
• photos
• found materials 

-Create an artist statement explaining your work