Math: It’s Everywhere!
Math in the World: Cubist Art

 

Aim:                 How is math used in art?

 

Objective:         Students will discover how math is used in art.  They will create their own versions of cubism as they use math in their own artwork.

 

Materials:         Crayons

                                Art Paper

 

Do Now:          Teacher will ask students to look up the following web addresses on the internet—

 

http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/cubism.html

Known as the “fine art search engine,” this site gives students a chance to see a

definition of cubism and examples of the form. 

                       

http://www.urtonart.com/history/cubism.htm

This site presents examples of Pablo Picasso’s work.  Students can see how his self-

portrait changed after working with cubism.

 

http://www.abstractart.20m.com/cubism.htm    

This is an abstract art website.  Students can see more examples of cubism at this site.

 

http://www.kolumbus.fi/anna-leena.connal/impressionism/works/pmonet5.htm

This link will take the student directly to an Impressionist painting by Claude Monet.  They can see the contrast between Cubism and Impressionism.  In general, the site houses an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings and artist biographies

                        Teacher will explain that students will see several examples of the Cubism period on these websites.

 

                        Note: If your classroom does not have multiple computers for student use, you can download the pictures yourself and post them on the chalkboard for student review.

                       

Procedure:        Teacher will ask students about their reactions to the art on the web.

 

What do you think about the artwork that you’ve just seen?

Why is this art form called “Cubism”?

How are geometric shapes used in cubist art?

 

Teacher will explain that Cubism uses basic geometric solids.  Paul Cezanne, a famous artist said, “Everything in nature takes its form from the sphere, the cone, and the cylinder.”  Pablo Picasso was a famous artist who painted many paintings, among them a self-portrait, using Cubism.

 

Teacher will ask students how Picasso and other artists on the website use math for inspiration in their work.

 

Do you see math in this artwork?

How do the geometric shapes make the art look different from an impressionist painting or a photograph?

 

See an example of an impressionist painting—

http://www.kolumbus.fi/anna-leena.connal/impressionism/works/pmonet5.htm

 

Activity:            Teacher will explain that students will now have the opportunity to create their own cubist artwork.  Using the cube, the sphere, and the cylinder for inspiration, students should draw or paint a picture.

 

Assessment:      Formally, Teacher will assess the student artwork to see if they used cubes and other mathematical shapes.  Informally, Teacher will assess oral contributions and use of the web during the “Do Now.”