Class: Artists Response to Social Change
Grades: 11th and 12th
Teacher: Melissa Alkire
In the history elective, Artists Response to Social Change, students tackle visual analysis, historical context, and, most importantly, the role of the artist in commenting on—and generating—social change.
This spring, students connected with the Peabody Essex Museum‘s Associate Curator for Exhibitions and Research Lydia Gordon about the exhibit The American Struggle—which features the work of Jacob Lawrence, one of the best known black American artists of the 20th century. Students asked Lydia questions about the works and had the opportunity to experience the art using PEM’s online exhibition. They were able to “see” the pieces and dig into the inspiration and messages of each panel.
“Students shared that Jacob Lawrence was the first black artist they had been introduced to, and that they had not really thought about the intersection of agency, art, and change. I hope these opportunities—online exhibits, virtual conversations, etc.—spark dialogue, encourage robust questioning, and give students the chance to explore pieces, people, voices, perspectives, and communities that represent themselves and others.”
— Melissa Alkire, history teacher
Students then showcased observations and curiosities in various ways. Since they didn’t have the chance to see the exhibit in person, they imagined and designed the layout of the works using virtual reality (example here and here). Other students created podcasts about their reflections (example here and here).
“I’m so energized by the students’ work. Learning how much the students are connecting with Lawrence and the Struggle series and how they are making meaning of the exhibition is truly inspiring. It’s why we do what we do.”
— Lydia Gordon, Peabody Essex Museum, Associate Curator for Exhibitions and Research
- From the PEM blog: Eager for Conversation
- Artist Response to Social Change visits the ICA