Walter O. Evans Center
for African American Studies
CURRENT EXHIBITION
Sam Nhlengethwa
"Life, Jazz and Lots of Other Things"
Sam Nhlengethwa “Life, Jazz and Lots of Other Things”
Feb. 18-June 22, 2014
Life, Jazz and Lots of Other Things is Sam Nhlengethwa’s first solo museum exhibition in the U.S. Based in Johannesburg,
Nhlengethwa is revered as one of South Africa’s leading contemporary artists. This exhibition features a broad crosssection of the artist’s practice and themes. The show opens with a juxtaposition of works by Nhlengethwa and Romare
Bearden, orienting viewers to a significant creative voice for the artist.
The exhibition also features vibrant jazz scenes, images of daily life and nation building, along with iconic works that
touch on deep social issues. Paintings, installation, works on paper and tapestries provide insight into Nhlengethwa’s
worldview through the eclectic array of life, jazz and lots of other things.
TIME FRAME: TWO 45-MINUTE SESSIONS
Lesson Objectives
•Learn about Sam Nhlengethwa, a contemporary artist who is influenced
by his community, personal history and jazz music
• Learn about artist Romare Bearden and the Harlem Renaissance
•Discuss and interpret artwork and learn about the technique of mixed
•Explore the relationship between jazz music of the Harlem Renaissance
•Create a collage that represents personal identity in the style of
Nhlengethwa and Bearden
· Patterned papers and fabrics
·Textured items
National Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.5
or foam core
(sturdy surface for base)
and visual art
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2
Materials
·Cardstock, Bristol board
media collage
(aluminum foil, cardboard, rice
Write informative and explanatory texts
to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly
Include multimedia components and visual
displays in presentations when appropriate
to enhance the development of main ideas
or themes
paper, bubble wrap, string, etc.)
· Photocopies of sheet music
· Magazines
· Current newspapers
· Glue
NA-VA.5-8.4
Understand the visual arts in relation to
history and cultures
· Acrylic paint
NA-VA.5-8.6
Make connections between visual arts and
other disciplines
· Instrument cutouts [provided]
Instructional Setup
Georgia Standards
ELACC5l4
ELACC5W2
· Paint brushes
Determine or clarify the meaning of
unknown and multiple-meaning words and
phrases
Write informative and explanatory texts
to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly
ELACC5Sl6
Include multimedia components and visual
displays in presentations when appropriate
to enhance the development of main ideas
or themes
ELACC5SL2
Summarize a written text read aloud or
information presented in diverse media and
formats — visually, quantitatively and orally
Instructor checks out books
or arranges a visit to the school
library for students to reference
the following topics:
· Artist Romare Bearden
· Jazz music
· Harlem Renaissance
SAM NHLENGETHWA “LIFE, JAZZ AND LOTS OF OTHER THINGS”
Terminology/Definitions:
BACKGROUND
The space in the picture that is farthest from
the viewer. Objects in the background are less
detailed and smaller.
COLLAGE
A form of art in which various materials such
as photographs, pieces of paper or fabric are
arranged and attached to a backing such as paper.
CULTURE
The beliefs or customs of a particular society.
FOREGROUND
The part of a scene that is nearest to the viewer.
Objects in the foreground are often in focus,
detailed and large.
INSPIRATION
A person, place or experience that makes
someone want to do or create something.
SAM NHLENGETHWA “LIFE, JAZZ AND LOTS OF OTHER THINGS”
Terminology/Definitions:
MIXED MEDIA
The use of a variety of materials to create a single
work of art.
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENT
A device created to make musical sounds. The
history of musical instruments dates back to the
beginnings of human culture.
RENAISSANCE
A time of great revival in art, literature and
learning.
RHYTHM
A visual tempo or beat. The principle of design
that refers to a regular repetition of elements of
art to produce the look and feel of movement. It
is often achieved through the careful placement
of repeated components, which invite the
viewer’s eye to jump rapidly or glide smoothly
from one to the next.
SAM NHLENGETHWA “LIFE, JAZZ AND LOTS OF OTHER THINGS”
Courtesy of the artist.
Background:
Sam Nhlengethwa (b. 1955, Payneville, South Africa) pictured above is one of South Africa’s leading artists. Working in media such
as collage, drawing and photography, Nhlengethwa celebrates people, places and his passion for jazz. His work has been included in
exhibitions in cities around the world, including London, Cairo and Niterói, Brazil. He has been a resident of the Bag Factory Artists
Studios in Johannesburg since the 1990s. His art-making practice has been largely inspired by Romare Bearden.
Romare Bearden (1911–1988) is an African American artist best known for his dynamic and creative use of collage and photomontage.
Throughout his multifaceted career, Bearden was known for his dedication to art and scholarship as well as social and political
activism. As an artist, Bearden often explored mythological, religious and cultural themes of significance to African Americans. A
participant in the Great Migration, the artist creates work that is representative of the intellectual, artistic and political mainstream
of the Harlem Renaissance. The SCAD Museum of Art Walter O. Evans Collection of African American Art includes seven works by
Bearden [link: http://scadmoa.org/Romare_Bearden].
The Harlem Renaissance is the time between approximately 1916 and 1940 when an artistic and intellectual revolution occurred
among African Americans in the U.S. Centered in Harlem, New York, these individuals celebrated their culture, making a lasting
impact on music, literature and art. Jazz music emerged during this time. A combination of musical styles including slave songs,
spirituals, blues and ragtime, this type of music is characterized by improvisation. During the Harlem Renaissance, jazz music unified
diverse populations and reflected the essence of the new American life.
SAM NHLENGETHWA “LIFE, JAZZ AND LOTS OF OTHER THINGS”
Selected works of art:
Sam Nhlengethwa, Homage to Romare Bearden (Yellow Cushions), mixed media on canvas, 2013.
Using collage and other media, Nhlengethwa creates interior spaces based on personal memories.
In this work of art, he extends the concept as a tribute to Romare Bearden who has served as a
major creative inspiration throughout his entire career.
Romare Bearden, The Block II, mixed media on panel, 1972.
The Block II is a view of New York, documenting Lenox Avenue between 132nd and 133rd streets
in Harlem. This collage shows a vibrant community that includes people of varied races and ages
engaged in activities of everyday life.
SAM NHLENGETHWA “LIFE, JAZZ AND LOTS OF OTHER THINGS”
Discussion
Below are some questions you might use to investigate this work of art and prepare for the activity.
DESCRIBE IT.
Have students describe what they see in the artwork.
• What recognizable elements do you see in these works of art?
• What media and materials are used?
RELATE IT.
Find connections between the student’s personal experiences and this work of art.
• How does this work make you feel?
• What does this remind you of and why?
INTERPRET IT.
Encourage students to identify themes and ideas in the artwork to find meanings and emotion.
• What does this artwork mean to you?
• How would you explain this artwork to someone else?
ANALYZE IT.
Students further discuss the artwork’s visual and interpreted meanings.
• What do you think that the artist was trying to convey when creating this work?
• Why do you think the artist chose the specific materials to create this work?
• What do you see that shows the influence of the Harlem Renaissance on these artists?
EVALUATE IT.
Have students make decisions on the success, value or worth of the artwork.
• Does this artwork relate to other works of art you have seen?
• Can you relate this work of art to your community?
Activity
Have students create their own personal collage. Incorporate elements of history, culture and music. Follow up with a
two-paragraph essay describing the inspiration behind the artwork. Display the essay and collage together.
Warm-up
Write your answers to the questions on the lines below.
1. One historical era or event that I am inspired by is:
4. My favorite musical instrument is:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
2. My hometown is:
5. My favorite musical artist is:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
3. An element of my community that is important
to me is:
6. What type of music inspires you?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Instruction/Guided Practice
Session I: Collage Activity
Steps to Completion
1.Choose supplies and place on a flat surface in front of you. Carefully consider what patterns, instrument and
2.Background: Use the patterned materials on the surface to create an interior space as Sam Nhlengethwa
3.Foreground: Now experiment with textured materials to add details to your scene. Consider cutting out
textured material you identify with.
does. Include the floor, wall, window and a doorway. Glue materials to surface.
shapes from magazines and using the provided cutouts. Create art to go on the walls and furniture to fit into
the room.
4. Decorate musical instrument cutouts and attach to surface.
5.Secure all collage materials to surface with adhesive. Give your piece a gentle shake to make sure no pieces
are loose. Secure any unattached materials.
Session II: Writing Activity
Compose a two-paragraph essay. Use the first paragraph to state what you learned about the Harlem Renaissance,
jazz music and artists Sam Nhlengethwa and Romare Bearden. Research these topics in school or a public library, or
use texts provided by your instructor. In the second paragraph, use the answers to the warm-up questions to create
the narrative for your collage. Include at least three of the new vocabulary words you have learned in this lesson.
Optional for Instructors
1.Have students supply personal photographs of friends and loved ones. Photocopy these photos and use as
2. Play jazz music during the activity to inspire students.
collage elements.
Closure
Have students present their completed collage and essay to the class. Describe the three main points of community,
personal history and music.
This lesson plan was created by the Museum Education Club with guidance from Rachel Evans, SCAD Museum of
Art coordinator of visitation and outreach. SCAD student and alumni contributors include Mac Calabria, Drew Clark,
Sarah Dinnocenzo, Jackie Doan, Michelle Guash, Madeline Harbick, Alexandra Jones, Katherine McCarthy, Jeremiah
O’Leary, Naimar Ramirez, Emmitt Rider, Raquel Serebrenik and Anna Zeng.
References
“Biography: Origins.” National Gallery of Art: The Art of Romare Bearden. National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC,
2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2014.
Fine, Ruth, Mary Lee Corlett, Nnamdi Elleh, Jacqueline Francis, Abdul Goler, and Sarah Kennel. The Art of Romare
Bearden. Washington DC: National Gallery of Art, 2003. Print.
Haskins, James. The Harlem Renaissance. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1996. Print.
“Sam Nhlengethwa.” GOODMAN GALLERY: Artists. Goodman Gallery, 2012. Web. 13 Feb. 2014.