Redhill School has continued to embrace distance learning by finding new and innovative ways to come together.
Following a successful virtual visit to a number of art galleries, the Grade 9 art class accepted a call sent out by the Getty Museum to recreate some of its famous art pieces, with the help of household items. The learners were forced to adopt an out-of-the-box approach which, according to Redhill learner Jessica Stutchbury, was exactly what the class needed.
Jessica said that it can be challenging to remain positive during the lockdown period. “Art is a way of expressing your thoughts and feelings, being creative, and keeping your brain active,” Jessica said.
According to Jessica, not only did the challenge give the class something to do, but it also allowed them to create something that will inspire others to stay motivated. “Art connects us, puts feelings into a visual representation, and inspires us.” “It helps to distract yourself from the news and the things going on in the world around us, and focus on something of your own,” said Jessica. She added that the best part about the challenge was that it was all-inclusive; it did not matter if you were not an artist or not.
“If you don’t fancy yourself a ‘good artist’, so what? You can still create something, it doesn’t matter what it looks like or how it compares to what others have done. You can develop your own style,” she said. This was evident in many of the submissions, as classmates found interesting innovative ways to recreate their favourite artworks.
Mukona Nangammbi submitted her version of Edgar Degas’ Dancers at Rest.”When I first saw the original painting, it took my mind to this place where girls can feel elegant and beautiful, and express it through the art of dance. Being under lockdown, I had no access to art materials and used my family as actors to recreate the scene,” said Mukona.
Mukona added that she never really considered herself to be an artist.
“I thought that art is something you’re born to be good at, but doing this project made me realise that art is simply how we express our emotions, thoughts, and imagination,” she said.
“During this period of self-isolation finding things worth putting effort into can be hard, but even though the situation is bad, you can still create something amazing,” concluded Jessica.
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