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Primary School Education Guide
Mark Garry, A Winter Light
9th February – 20th April
Where oil meets water, 2010, Beads and thread
Dimensions variable-ceiling mounted
Teacher’s Notes
Introduction
Irish artist Mark Garry’s work stems from a strong interest in
observing how humans navigate the world. Mark Garry works in
many mediums, especially installations. His installations are highly
colourful, combining the physical, visual and sensory. The
elements of his installations intersect space and form unique
colourful relationships. Spectrums of coloured threads and beads
are often the central element of these installations.
Mark has also produced some pieces in response to The Model’s
Niland collection.
On a gallery visit, pupils will meet a tour guide who will explain
the thoughts and processes behind Mark Garry’s exhibition at The
Model. His work will be colourful and eye catching and we would
hope it would generate discussion on the use of colour, materials
and the gallery spaces. The tour will finish with a short art activity
relating to the work of Mark Garry.
The education pack includes classroom activities, which explore
curricular learning through creative processes. In doing the
activities and learning about the exhibition the pupils will learn
about contemporary art, the language and the processes involved.
Note: Classroom Activity No. 1 requires adult supervision (scissors/sharp object to punch
holes). A hole puncher can be used for younger children.
NEW WORDS TO LEARN Installation: Art that is created or constructed in the gallery or a
designated space.
Site-specific: Art that is created or constructed especially for the
space.
Three-Dimensional (3D) :
An object that has three planes - height, width and depth. It can be
measured in three directions. Can you find a three-dimensional
object in your classroom and measure it?
Two-Dimensional (2D): An object that has only two sides, i.e. a
flat object.
Canvas – A prepared cloth surface used for painting.
Focal Point – The part of an artwork you look at first.
Optical Art – Optical art is about distorted shapes and vibrating
colours that trick the eye into seeing the illusion of movement.
Classroom activity No.1
Create your own Piece of String Art.
Materials :
Cardboard (stiff)
Coloured string
Something sharp to punch holes in the cardboard.
Needle for string to pass through the holes.
Tape.
1. Using the sharp object punch holes in the cardboard as the
diagram shows. Punch equal amount of holes either side.
2. Position the cardboard into a folded position and tape the back
to add strength.
3. Using the needle and thread, thread your string through the
holes. Tie a not in the back of each hole so the thread does not pass
through. Note: The thread must go through opposite corresponding
holes as diagram shows.
4. Continue to do this until you have your own piece of string art.
Think about the colours you will use. Will it be rainbow or one
solid colour, why have you chosen that colour?
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
The artist Mark Garry has become very well known for his thread
work. In this exhibition there are two large thread pieces. Both are
spectacular and colourful. The largest one took two weeks to make.
Classroom activity No.2
Optical illusion.
Stare closely at this drawing of a light bulb for 25 seconds. Then
immediately stare at a white wall or sheet of paper.
What do you see??
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Answer: you should see a glowing light bulb.
What is an optical illusion?
Optical Illusions use colour, light and patterns to create images that
can be deceptive or misleading to our brains.
Optical illusions occur because our brain is trying to interpret what
we see and make sense of the world around us. They simply trick
our brains into seeing things, which may or may not be real.
Can you make one in the classroom? For example what happens if
you draw a thick stick man in black marker on a white page. Then
follow the same steps as the light bulb. Does anything happen your
stick man?
Some other examples of optical illusions in art:
M.C.Escher -Relativity, 1953 Lithograph, 294mmX282mm.
Octavio Ocampo - Forever Always.
Do you like these optical illusions in art? Can you research on line
other artists who have done optical illusions?
Write a paragraph on an artist you have researched.
Classroom activity No.3
Crayon Etching, Fireworks.
Materials:
Wax crayons (including black)
White card or thick paper
Unused/empty Pen, toothpick or pointed object to mark make
1. Colour all over the paper/card with different bright crayons. Are
your colours random or in a pattern (stripes, circles etc)
Make sure the whole card is covered in colour.
2. Now colour over the top with the black crayon, making sure that
you cover over all the bright colours.
3. Carefully use the toothpick/pen to scrape away some of the
black crayon. As you scrape away you will reveal the bright
colours underneath.
An example of a crayon etching.
Teachers Notes
Suggested other classroom activities
• Origami crafts: the folding of paper to create animals or
objects. Simple tutorials can be found here:
http://www.origami-instructions.com/
• Bright butterflies: this is a basic craft but an effective one for
colour. Fold a piece of paper in half. Place blobs of paint
down the folded line. Fold back over the paper and push the
paint outwards from the folded line. Open up the paper again
and leave to dry. Once dried, cut the paper into the shape of a
butterfly. Alternatively the paper can be cut into random
shapes to create imaginative mystical animals. Eyes can be
drawn on a separate sheet and stuck on to the creature once
paint had dried.