Abstract Expressionist Sculpture
As the capital of the artwork changes from Paris to New York City in
the 1930’s and 40’s, the first American Art movement is called Abstract
Expressionism, beginning at the same time. This group was made up of
sculptors and painters that used abstract shapes and forms to show emotion.
“An artist can show things that other people are terrified of expressing.”
-Louise Bourgeois (December 25th 1911 – May 31st 2010)
“My whole theory about art is the disparity that exists between
form1, masses2 and movement3.”
-Alexander Calder (July 22nd 1898 – November 11th1976)
Eagle by Alexander Calder
By the end of this unit I will be able to…
1. Define all vocabulary words
2. Understand the difference between SHAPES and FORMS.
3. Explain what is “abstract” and what is not.
4. Sketch a 2D model of my sculpture from different angles (different side views, and interior view).
5. Use a hot-glue gun and box cutter correctly.
6. Construct a three-dimensional Abstract Expressionist sculpture that is larger than 1 square foot.
Abstract:
Night Leaf by Louise Nevelson
Balance:
Shape:
Form:
Positive/Negative Space:
Rhythm:
Interior Sketch:
Exterior Sketch:
Anticipate Your Learning and Take Inventory of your
Knowledge
What do I already know about Abstract Expressionist Sculpture?
What about Abstract Expressionist Sculpture do I want to learn more about?
1
Form: A three-dimensional object which has volume.
Mass: The amount of space an object takes up.
3
Movement: The change of an object’s place or position in space.
2
Self Assessment
Your teacher will ask you to complete this approximately half way through the unit and at the end of the unit.
How well do you think you are learning this material? What we have learned can be divided into two categories:
A. The facts and concepts (ideas) that you have learned.
B. The artistic skills and techniques you have learned.
What do the numbers mean?
1= Really don’t understand this material or skill at all. Cant do much without a lot of help from the teacher.
2= I can do some of this myself, but I need help from the teacher to get all of it.
3= I got it! Not everything, but most of this I understand and I can do.
4= I own it! Move aside teacher, I can teach this next year to your class. I really get this stuff completely
What is an action plan?
If you think you need to keep on working with this material, what are you going to do to improve your grade?
Those steps are your action plan. An action plan can be going to SOS, Lunch and Learn, speaking to your teacher,
drawing in your sketchbook at home
Midway Assessment
A: Facts & Concepts:
B: Skills & Techniques:
Notes/Action Plan:
Final Assessment
A: Facts & Concepts:
B: Skills & Techniques:
Notes/Action Plan:
Mark DiSuvero’s Mother Peace
1969-70 (at Storm King Art Center)
Alice Aycock’s East River Roundabout
1995 (in New York City)