At School With Monsters: Trip to the AGO

Students in Media, Film, and Graphics studies classes took a trip to the Art Gallery of Ontario on December 20 to see “At Home With Monsters,” a special exhibit displaying the works and inspirations of filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.

The items on display came from del Toro’s personal collection and included props, set pieces, and costumes from his own movies and those that inspired him. They also included broad-ranging sources of inspiration including paintings, photographs, comic books, and historical artifacts like Victorian funeral invitations. Students discussed how del Toro also draws influence from religion, children’s folk and fairy tales, and how those elements have inspired characters, costumes, sets, and props in his many films.

This emphasis on del Toro’s many sources of inspiration was relevant to students because it allowed them to trace his process of creation, from initial inspiration, to concept sketches, to storyboards, to prop design, to the final film. They learned about the creative process from start to finish, and saw how they can potentially draw on their own diverse interests to create unique and thoughtful art, media, or film pieces.