Abstract art can express various feelings. Abstract Expressionism was an American art movement that developed in the 1940s and 1950s, the period just after World War II. The artists mostly used bold color and dynamic application of paint to convey strong emotion and content. After discussing abstract paintings with your classmates, you will have the chance to create your own abstract artwork.
Are your students doing this activity at school or at home?
While this activity was designed for use in the museum, you can follow these suggestions to make students’ experience fun and successful in any learning context.
- Search for high-quality images of artworks in the museum’s collection. Use these suggested artworks or find some on your own. Images can be printed or viewed online.
Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942.
Marc Chagall, The Angel and the Reader, c. 1930.
- If students don’t have internet access, they can look for other objects around them that could help them complete the activity.
- Have students work together with classmates, family members, or friends to complete the activity and share their creations.
Grade Level: 6-12
Common Core State Standards: L.3, L.6, SL.1, SL.2
