Apollo Parkways Primary School

An international event on a grand scale, such as the 2004 Olympic Games, hardly needs an introduction as an inspiration and stimulus, just like a starting block set to launch a visual art marathon. The gold medal athlete at the centre of this paper based artistic event for grades 2—6 at Apollo Parkways Primary School was the humble 2D plastic human mannikin.

Figuratively speaking, it was: 'Take your marks, set and go'. The Opening Ceremony saw students choose a sport or an event from a comprehensive list, and they then proceeded to manipulate their figure into a position that highlighted their fine physique. Students were encouraged to explore further less obvious positions within their event to portray some sequence and the variety of movements athletes travel through during the one game or event, from a starting position to fully extended, and then on to the follow through.

Let the Games begin!

Students needed to check that the position and joint rotations they had selected for their athlete were physically possible, especially those related to the knee and elbow joints. The mannikins are very flexible and some students soon discovered that humans can't bend their knee as a camel does.

Different grade levels were given different choices of materials and processes to develop. A medley of mixed media resulted in a range of skills and techniques all the way to the finish line. The podium proudly presented many satisfied participants and fabulous art works.

By the Closing Ceremony, students had journeyed through a decathlon of art elements and principles. They had chosen from a base of A2 or A3 black or white cartridge paper, traced around their athlete, and then proceeded to either cut out the figure and use it as a positive or negative silhouette, highlighting it by filling in with colour or pattern, or focusing on the surround of the athletic shape or silhouette.

Materials utilised were Watercolour Paint Discs, Food Dye, Oil Pastels and resist technique, Gel FX Pencils, Derwent Coloured Pencils, Crayola Markers, Connector Pens and Metallic Markers.

All students had many opportunities to develop their understanding of various art forms and elements through CSF11 levels 2-4. Grades 2, 3 and 4 explored pattern, line, repetition, thick, thin, continuous, broken, symmetry and balance along with colour and tone choices.

Grades 4, 5 and 6 developed shape, negative, positive, contrast, movement, direction, symmetry, balance, light, colour, (hot, cold and energy), pattern, tone and shade. Grade 4 students also explored overlapping figures and viewpoints. Grade 5 and 6 students looked at specific colour to represent the intensity of the action or event. Duration of this activity for all grades was 2-4 sessions.

Janice Bowie
Visual Arts Teacher
Apollo Parkways Primary School