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Social Issues
Problems that occur in the world that involve people
or groups of people in society (Whittaker, 1992).
A condition that at least some people in society view
as being undesirable.

Contemporary Issues
Problems that are relevant to the present time.

Activist art
Work that often shares a commitment to create art
that draws attention to, mobilizes action towards, or
attempts to intervene in systems of inequality or
injustice (Dewhurst, 2010, p. 7).
Any form of art that is created that draws attention to
a particular injustice and in one way or another
encourages others to take part as active observers
(Whittaker, 1992).

A common misconception
Many people believe that social justice art must be
controversial or overtly political, this is not always the
case. Rather, as long as the process of making art
offers participants a way to construct knowledge,
critically analyze an idea, and take action in the
world, then they are engaged in a practice of social
justice art making.

The benefits of Activist Art

Connecting- artists engage in critical reflection and
attentive exploration of the ways injustice plays out in
the world.
Questioning- allows artist to embark on a quest for a
deeper understanding
Translating- transforming your ideas to paper with
color and shape to get across a message.

What to consider when

making activist art.
Who is your audience?
Where would your art be displayed?
How do you make your art meaningful and relative to
the viewers?

The objectives
To create an activist work on art based on a issue
that is meaningful and special to you.
Research and document this issue and other artist
who address it.
To find and locate a location to display the work.
Rubrics will be discussed shortly.

Considering your topic

Everyone in here has different opinions and beliefs
so we must be considerate and respectful.
What do you guys think I mean by being considerate
and respectful?

Being Considerate/
Respectful
Be aware that everyone is entitled to their own
opinion and this does not mean it is right or wrong.
Do not be offended if someone does not share the
same belief as you do, instead listen to what they
have to say and try to keep an open mind. You do
not have to agree but do not be rude either.

Other things to consider

We are all part of a public school therefore do not have
the same guidelines that independent artist do.
Censorship is an issue we are all aware of but in regards
to this project we need to keep in mind who our audience
may be and keep our artwork within reason.
Therefore do not create work that is overtly controversial
and could get you suspended or me reprimanded. We
want the art to be interesting not

The Research: Content

Spend the time finding out what you can about your
issue. How common is it? Is it worldwide or
community based? Who else relates to this issue?
What causes this issue? How can this issue be
addressed? Document this in your sketchbook.
CREDIBLE RESOURCES REQUIRED

The Research: Artist

What artist address this issue? Find a minimum of 4
different contemporary artists. You need to find as
much of the following : Artist, title, medium, date
created, size, and annotate each art about what is
significant and what the issue is. Should be placed in
your sketchbook and on the class Pinterest board.


Sketchbook/journal
contains research to
support the
development of
artwork

Sketchbook/journal
shows a variety of
possible solutions and
approaches
Sketchbook/journal
shows personalization
of the topic selected

Sketchbook/journal
makes connections
between theme and
contemporary artworks
Total

Exceeds Standards (3)

Student has identified
their chosen topic.
Student has found an
exceptional amount of
information on their
topic (including
statistics, organizations,
and outreach
programs). Student
used reliable sources to
gather information and
included their sources
Student has created
multiple thumbnails on
around their topic and
sought criticism from
multiple classmates
Thumbnails and designs
illustrate clear
understanding and
several personal
connections to the
topic.
Students have identified
a minimum of four
contemporary artworks
by various artists that
address the topic they
chose to research.

Meets Standards (2)

Student has identified
their chosen topic.
Student has found
adequate information
from reliable sites.

Needs Improvement (1)

Student has identified
their chosen topic.
Research lacks
statistics, organization
or other key
information.

Students created 1-2

thumbnails on their
topic. Students sought
criticism from 1-2
classmates
Thumbnails and designs
show some personal
connections to the
topic.

Students created 1
thumbnail.

Students have identified

a 2-3 contemporary
artworks by various
artists that address the
topic they chose to
research.

Students have lack

adequate research on
artist.

Thumbnails show little

to know personal
connection.

Goals by days
Day 1 of research: Narrow down your list of topics to one strong
topic you wish to work with
Day 2 of research: Locate and document a minimum of two strong
sources that inform you of your chosen topic and find a minimum of
one artist with annotation. (All must be in your sketchbook)
Day 3 of research: Locate further information required and find at
least two more artists that work within your theme.
Day 4 of research: Find additional artists as required, post research
on artists to Pinterest. Finish collecting any data needed.

The rules
1. No letters or words
2. No kids holding hands around the earth
3. No peace symbols/gestures, hearts, or gang signs
4. Be respectful


Experiment (10 possible points)
Forms new creative work based on
inspiration (5)
Selects a range of materials and work
methods (5)
Investigate (10 possible points)
Organizes ideas and develops a plan in
their sketchbook (thumbnails) (10)
Reflect (30 possible points)
Participates in critique constructively (5)
Revises works (5)
Connects work to personal
interest/theme/idea (20)
Technique (30 possible points)
Student mastered the use of the medium
as previously learned (20)
Student addresses composition and craft
(10)
Interpret/Apply (20 possible points)
Evaluates the effectiveness of art (10)
Interprets contextual information in
artworks (5)
Applies relevant criteria to evaluate art(5)
Total

Yes

No

Points Comments

The thumbnails
You guys will need to create a minimum of four small detailed ideas incorporating
your topic and message.
Once you have completed four equally strong thumbnails you will need to get
feedback from at least three students in class who are not aware of your topic.
Please record all feedback in your sketchbook.
Take this feedback into consideration and then come to me once you are ready for
me to look at.
People providing feedback: Try to see if their message/topic is understandable. If
not tell them and provide suggestions to their topic and on the overall work.

Project progress
Day 1 of the art project: Students should have completed the
contour of their drawing
By the end of day 3: Students should have 1/3 of the drawing
completed.
By the end of day 5: Students should be close to having 2/3 of
the drawing completed.
By the end of day 7: Students should be done with the project
or close to completion. What ever left to be done will be
considered homework. Finished product and artist statement
will be required in two days.