Lesson 9: Memory-Box Assemblage

Objective: To have children create an assemblage with symbolic objects.

Vocabulary:

assemblage - A sculpture made of different kinds of materials.

closed form - A sculpture the has no openings for background space to show through.

found object - A common or everyday object used in new ways as part of an artwork. Found objects are often used in assemblages and can be natural or manufactured.

open form - A sculpture that has an opening or openings where background shows through.

symbol - A picture, word, figure, or object that stands for something or represents an idea.

Technology by Nam June Paik

Surprising Sculptures

Some artists combine different kinds of materials in one artwork. This kind of sculpture is called an assemblage. Some assemblages are made by arranging various objects into larger forms. Look at the sculptures Technology by Nam June Paik and Wheelabout by Nancy Graves. Do they look like any sculptures you have seen before?

Assemblages with Found Objects
Most objects are made for a purpose. When an artist uses them for a different purpose in an artwork, they are called found objects. Some artists use natural objects, such as dried flowers, stones, or seashells, in their assemblages. Others use manufactured objects, such as machine parts, toys, or tools. Point out the found objects in Technology. What was their original purpose? What kind of pattern did the artist create with found objects?

Wheelabout by Nancy Graves

Open Form Sculptures
Describe the different objects that make up the sculpture in Wheelabout. Which objects do you think the artist built especially for this artwork? Which objects do you think the artist found?
Wheelabout is an open form sculpture. Open form sculptures have openings where the background space shows through. Point out the open spaces in Wheelabout. Where did the artist create a pattern by repeating the shapes of open spaces?

All Aboard by Grace Kurth

Closed Form Sculptures
All Aboard by Grace Kurth is a closed form sculpture. Closed form sculptures have no openings where background space shows through. For the assemblage All Aboard, the artist arranged images and objects in a solid box. What do you think the theme of this artwork is?

Think Critically - Tell what you learned.

Studio Time: Memory-Box Assemblage

Materials:

Shoebox Lids, Acrylic Paints, Paintbrushes, Small Personal Objects, Glue

Plan

Gather or create objects that are important to you, such as photographs and small toys. You may want to choose objects related to a theme, such as school, family, or community.
Check list:
- Create an assemblage.
- Use or create objects that are symbolic about ideas and things that are important to you.
- Arrange objects to make an interesting composition before gluing.

Create

Paint your box lid. Choose a color that matches one of the colors in your objects.

2. After the paint has dried, move the objects around the box lid until you find the best arrangement.

3. Glue your objects into the box lid.

Reflect - Tell about your artwork.

Photograph and Submit your artwork on Google Classroom.

Photograph sketches as well as completed artwork.
"Add" (attach) to Google Classroom assignment.
"Mark as done" to submit your work for a grade.

Challenge: Recycled Assemblage

Create an assemblage from found objects by collecting objects, sketching ideas, and constructing into a sculpture, using paper or paint to cover surfaces.