Asia - In the Art Room with Mrs. Andrews

Japan: Gyotaku

Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese tradition of printing fish. Watch the videos below and think about how fish prints are the same or different from the types of prints that artists in the United States make today. Why were the first fish prints made? Why are fish prints still made today?

This video discusses the history of Gyotaku, Japanese fish prints. How and why has fish printing changed since it was first invented? How has the purpose of fish prints changed?

This video demonstrates how an artist today creates a fish print. Can you describe the process of printing a fish to someone that has not seen the video?

Try it out!

This video demonstrates how to create a Gyotaku print using the supplies we have at school. While watching the video, think about how this process is the same and different from the original process. Also, note the different ways that I use the materials to see if you can figure out some ideas about how you want to create your prints.

Islamic Design

You may not realize it, but art often requires a lot of math. The videos below discuss how math and art are connected in Islamic design.

This video explains the math that is used in creating Islamic designs. The video goes pretty quickly, but don't worry about trying to understand everything. Focus on the patterns and designs it shows and how they repeat. Also, try to listen to the part that talks about tessellations. Can you describe what a tessellation is?

China: Terra Cotta Warriors

Watch the video below about the Terra Cotta Warriors that were discovered in China. Can you think of another tradition or artifact that would used in a similar way to the terra cotta warriors?

This video discusses the discovery of the Terra Cotta Warriors. Why were these figures created? Why do you think so many people are interested in the Terra Cotta Warriors? What makes them unique?