Introduction
The traditionally acknowledged elements of art are texture, form,
space, line, shape, color, and value. These all pertain to three
dimensions, but I would argue that the fourth dimension, time,
is equally present in all art. This unit will examine how both
knowledge and perceptual experience influences how we portray
and interpret time. Various artists and artwork, from different
cultures and different periods of time, will be analyzed with this
objective in mind. The ultimate goal will be for the students to
gain a comprehensive understanding of this element so that they
can use it in original and exciting ways in their own artwork.
Overarching Understandings
◊ Time is an element of art
◊ Time can be interpreted in different ways
◊ Time can be represented in different ways
Essential Questions
◊ How is time viewed and represented in different cultures?
◊ What ways do artists make us think of time?
◊ How does art reflect the technology of its time?
Understanding and Outcomes
◊ Art reflects how a culture understands time
◊ Art reflects how time has been viewed over the ages
◊ Artists can make us think of time in new ways
Evidence:
What will students understand
as a result of this unit?
◊ Time functions as an element of art
◊ Time is perceived and represented differently in various cultures
◊ Time is perceived and represented differently in various ages
◊ Artists make us think of time in new ways
◊ Perception influences the way we experience time
◊ Knowledge affects our understanding of time
◊ Artwork can be created using time in a conscious or subliminal way
Core Questions:
What Questions will
Focus or Guide this Unit?
◊ How would you define time?
◊ Why should time be considered an element of art?
◊ How do people in different cultures view time? How do we know?
◊ How has our view of time changed over the ages? How do we know?
◊ What role does recording and memory play in our conception of time?
◊ What role does perception play in constructing our understanding of time?
◊ How has science changed our understanding of time?
◊ What different ways do other bodies of knowledge recognize time?
◊ How do artists make us think of time in new ways?
◊ How can you include time in your art making practices?