● We want students to understand the idea of collaboration, or artists working together. ● Our lesson plan will be several class periods long, is based on group work. It will include the following elements: An introductory lecture and video that demonstrates collaborative work. A group teaching activity and reflective writing. Groups will collaborate a final piece of artwork and have daily mini conferences with the teacher. The lesson culminates with an organized critique Artist Collaboration From “Me” to “We”

Collaborations can be a group of artists each having a special knowledge…for example: a sculptor and a photographer. A collaboration where artists work together fully from concept to a finished product. Artists that collaborate as a back and forth, they react to each other visually. A great example of this is mail art. “Rugged individualism” vs. collaboration

Artists can collaborate by reacting to each other in an artwork. When the artwork is finished, does it really belong to either artist individually? Collaboration often raises questions of “authorship”.

This ongoing collaborative project is based on a drawing technique called “Exquisite Corpse.” The technique was invented by Surrealists in 1925 and is based on an old parlor game in which players write in turn on a sheet of paper, fold it to conceal part of the writing, and then pass it to the next player for a further contribution. Exquisite Corpse

Collaborations: Before & After Wouldn’t it be great to see a video about collaboration?

Videos on Project Runway and Chopped Unconventional materials Challenge Unconvential materials Challenge Chopped Challenge Discussion: Who created this piece of art? (Show Salvador Dali and Philippe Halsman’s “Atomic Dali”) How do you think collaboration be helpful as an artistic technique? What difficulties do you think you might have as an artist?Philippe Halsman’s More Collaboration Finally- Tim Gunn momentsTim Gunn moments Smashup Wouldn’t it be nice to know what the project will be?

Project Chopped Challenge Groups selected—Project Runway Style Have students get into their assigned groups-as determined by instructor (Project Runway style). Project Revealed-Chopped Style (explained, discussed) Items in the box Theme-draw from bag Elements and Principles (selection) Remind groups that they will work together and there MUST be evidence of every artist contribution. Are there conflicting concept ideas; is there a benefit to that? Who “owns” it? What is the difference between inspiration/influence and active collaboration? Write these on the board. Procedure: 1. Groups brainstorm their ideas and create sketches in their sketchbook before beginning on project- be sure to maintain a “fluid” object and allow it to evolve as needed. 2. Have a discussion that brainstorms possible benefits and pitfalls of collaboration 3. Have a plan and place objects/images etc. inside (and/or outside) their project with thought and intent. 4. Create an outline for the assignment in detail that is presented visually. Students will have three-four work days to complete the project.

The Next Step

GROUP ART PROJECT One Project per group with different Themes One week to Work Professional Presentation showing the evolution of the projects Final Reflection about the Collaborative Process. Digital Photos to show the Collaborative Process.

● Collaboration is a group effort to create artworks. There are pros and cons to this method of visual expression but it can be a powerful tool that creates expressive art. Having many artists can contribute to an exciting visual piece with a strong thematic element. ● Students will get practice in visually communicating a thematic idea in a unique way. This lesson will teach students to react to a certain theme visually but also to each other.

● Students are asked to consider possible benefits and pitfalls of collaboration. Where they different in practice or similar? ● Were there problems dividing the responsibilities of a group project even while working individually? What did you like or not like? ● How do you think this might be useful in the future? Can artistic concepts be enhanced by multiple artists and styles? ● Do your pieces show a strong thematic idea? Do you think the thematic element is strengthened by collaboration or hindered? Are there elements that become the focal point or an individual artistic technique? ● What do you think about the question of ownership? There will be a final reflection on their opinion of ownership. As a review, here are some discussion Points: