8th- Modular Sculptures

This project is brought to you by THAT ART TEACHER, she has a super awesome blog too! You should check it out sometime!

 Tate defines modular as “a term used particularly in relation to minimalism, referring to a work of art with constituent parts that can be moved, separated and recombined.”

During the 1960s artists began creating simple sculptures made from industrial materials like sheet metal, plywood and bricks. In order to distance themselves from traditional sculpture, minimalist artists would describe these artworks in very literal ways, calling them ‘specific objects’ or ‘modules’.

The term modular is closely associated with the artist Sol LeWitt who, in 1965, began working on a series of open and closed cubes, like building blocks, which could be ordered and inter-locked in various different combinations in accordance with a pre-determined system.

Rasheed Araeen is a great artist to study minimalism, geometric shapes and modular art.  You can read about his work here on the Tate Museum website.

Camilla Løw is another artist that connects to minimalism and geometric shapes.  She creates fun sculptures that are great examples of non-objective art.  See examples of her work here.

Directions:

MAKING MODULES

Remember,  Tate defines modular as “a term used particularly in relation to minimalism, referring to a work of art with constituent parts that can be moved, separated and recombined.” 

1. You and your partner need to decide on a shape and make as many as you can with the popsicle sticks provided. Be creative and think of all the different shapes you could make before deciding. You can use Elmer's glue for this step. 

2. After all of your modules have been constructed, you and your partner will choose a color to paint them. Paint all of your modules the same color. 

3. Using your cardboard base as a starting point, begin arranging your modules to create an interesting abstract form with your shapes. Use hot glue to put the modules together. You're sculpture needs to be balanced and stand on its own. 

(Remember, your sculpture will be painted a single color at this point)

4. After you finish assembling your sculpture, you will be able to add another color to your sculpture by splattering paint onto it. 

5.  Let your sculpture dry and submit your sculpture to Artsonia.

You should submit two photos of your sculpture from different angles for full credit.

Your and your partner should both submit photos.