### Lesson Plan: Art History (Contemporary Art)
#### Grade Level
Grade 11
#### Topic
Art History: Contemporary Art
#### Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand and explain the key features and movements in contemporary art.
2. Identify and analyze the works of at least three significant contemporary artists.
3. Develop and present their own interpretation of a contemporary art piece.
4. Participate in a critical discussion about contemporary art and its impact.
#### Materials Needed
- Projector and computer for presentations
- Art history textbooks or online resources
- Handouts with key terms and artist profiles
- Art supplies (paper, markers, paints, collage materials, etc.)
- Notebooks and pens for note-taking
#### Lesson Duration
2 class periods (90 minutes each)
### Day 1: Introduction to Contemporary Art
**1. Introduction (15 minutes)**
- Briefly define "contemporary art" and discuss its timeframe (mid-20th century to the present).
- Explain the key characteristics of contemporary art, including its diverse media, techniques, and themes.
**2. Presentation: Key Movements and Artists (30 minutes)**
- Present a PowerPoint highlighting significant movements within contemporary art (e.g., Pop Art, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Street Art).
- Discuss the contributions of notable contemporary artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, and others.
**3. Activity: Artist Case Study (30 minutes)**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a contemporary artist to research.
- Provide handouts with guiding questions, prompting students to investigate the artist's background, style, notable works, and impact on the art world.
- Allow each group to use textbooks or online resources for their research.
**4. Group Presentations (15 minutes)**
- Each group presents their findings to the class.
- Encourage peers to ask questions and offer feedback.
**Homework Assignment**
- Ask students to select a contemporary art piece that interests them and bring a printed image of it to the next class. Additionally, they should write a brief paragraph explaining why they chose it and what stands out to them about the piece.
### Day 2: Analyzing and Creating Contemporary Art
**1. Review and Discussion (15 minutes)**
- Recap the previous day's content and discuss the homework assignment.
- Encourage a class discussion on students' chosen art pieces, focusing on their interpretations and reactions.
**2. In-Depth Analysis (20 minutes)**
- Select a few contemporary art pieces for detailed class analysis.
- Discuss elements such as composition, color, medium, technique, and the message/theme of the artwork.
**3. Hands-On Activity: Creating Contemporary Art (45 minutes)**
- Have students use the art supplies provided to create their own piece of contemporary art, inspired by the styles and techniques they've learned about.
- Encourage students to think creatively and incorporate a personal or social message into their work.
**4. Art Presentation and Critique (10 minutes)**
- Have students display their artwork around the classroom.
- Facilitate a critique session where students present their work, explain their creative process, and receive constructive feedback from their peers.
**Conclusion and Reflection (15 minutes)**
- Summarize key takeaways from the lesson.
- Discuss the relevance and impact of contemporary art on society and culture.
- Reflect on the creative process and how understanding art history can influence artistic expression.
### Assessment Criteria
- Participation in group research and presentations.
- Quality and insightfulness of homework assignments.
- Creativity, effort, and thoughtfulness in the hands-on art project.
- Engagement and contributions during class discussions and critique sessions.
### Extensions
- Organize a field trip to a local contemporary art museum or gallery.
- Invite a contemporary artist to speak to the class about their work and career.
- Encourage students to explore contemporary art online platforms, such as virtual museum tours and artist interviews.
### References
- Contemporary Art History textbooks and online articles.
- Museum websites and digital archives (e.g., MoMA, Tate Modern, Guggenheim).
- Documentaries and interviews available on platforms like YouTube and educational streaming services.