Grades 11/12 Art Classes Explore Contemporary Art at MOCA and The Power Plant Galleries
By Johanna Liburd and Colleen Petch (Grades 11 and 12 Art Teachers)
Three senior visual arts classes spent a day visiting local contemporary galleries to explore the current Toronto visual scene. At the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and The Power Plant galleries, students were challenged to view the art with the discerning eyes of an art critic. Their task was to photograph and take notes on a contemporary exhibit and to write a journalistic review incorporating fact, personal opinion and a bit of creative wit.
Reflecting, Responding and Analysing art is a distinct expectation in the Ministry of Education’s Grade 11/12 guidelines: Through the critical analysis process, students reflect on their responses to and assess artworks, developing a deeper understanding of themselves and the communities in which they live. By exploring the context of various artworks, students expand their awareness of past and present societies.
Students spent time together walking through exhibitions at MOCA and had a guided tour at The Power Plant. They were inquisitive and reflective about a variety of works that offered diverse and unexpected materials and had some insightful commentary to offer in discussions.
Molly Ahmed: “I found that the exhibit gave a fresh perspective on how art is used on a daily basis and how it can impact our lives” (on Art In Use exhibition at MOCA)
Evelyn Rogan: “The art in the exhibit changed my perspective on beliefs. Before this exhibit, I thought beliefs could only be in superior forces like Gods. Now I understand that people can believe in nature, in the future economy, in their family and friends, and many more things.” (On Believe exhibition at MOCA)
Alumnus Daniel Martin (‘09) joined us at MOCA and enjoyed the new location and exhibitions with our current students. Daniel lives nearby and was happy to be included on our outing.
Students were inspired by a few works and have suggested that they may incorporate new ideas and materials into their art projects this year. The galleries provided an opportunity to think differently and challenged the students to consider “what can be considered art.” The written reviews are being submitted soon and we are looking forward to reading them.
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Three senior visual arts classes spent a day visiting local contemporary galleries to explore the current Toronto visual scene. At the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and The Power Plant galleries, students were challenged to view the art with the discerning eyes of an art critic. Their task was to photograph and take notes on a contemporary exhibit and to write a journalistic review incorporating fact, personal opinion and a bit of creative wit.
Reflecting, Responding and Analysing art is a distinct expectation in the Ministry of Education’s Grade 11/12 guidelines: Through the critical analysis process, students reflect on their responses to and assess artworks, developing a deeper understanding of themselves and the communities in which they live. By exploring the context of various artworks, students expand their awareness of past and present societies.
Students spent time together walking through exhibitions at MOCA and had a guided tour at The Power Plant. They were inquisitive and reflective about a variety of works that offered diverse and unexpected materials and had some insightful commentary to offer in discussions.
Molly Ahmed: “I found that the exhibit gave a fresh perspective on how art is used on a daily basis and how it can impact our lives” (on Art In Use exhibition at MOCA)
Evelyn Rogan: “The art in the exhibit changed my perspective on beliefs. Before this exhibit, I thought beliefs could only be in superior forces like Gods. Now I understand that people can believe in nature, in the future economy, in their family and friends, and many more things.” (On Believe exhibition at MOCA)
Alumnus Daniel Martin (‘09) joined us at MOCA and enjoyed the new location and exhibitions with our current students. Daniel lives nearby and was happy to be included on our outing.
Students were inspired by a few works and have suggested that they may incorporate new ideas and materials into their art projects this year. The galleries provided an opportunity to think differently and challenged the students to consider “what can be considered art.” The written reviews are being submitted soon and we are looking forward to reading them.
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443 Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, ON M4S 2L8
Tel: 416 482 9811
Toronto, ON M4S 2L8
Tel: 416 482 9811
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