Welcome to a world of bold colors, fragmented shapes, and creative genius. At our school, we recently celebrated an immersive and vibrant Cubism-based art project, which is beautifully displayed on our school walls. This blog post will take you on a journey through how our students discovered the world of Cubism, how the artwork was created, and how we transformed a simple wall into a gallery of artistic expression.
If you are an educator, parent, or simply an art lover, we hope this post inspires you to appreciate the power of creative learning and student engagement.
What is Cubism?
Cubism is one of the most revolutionary art movements of the 20th century. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque pioneered it in the early 1900s, and it soon became known for its unique approach to form, shape, and perspective.
In Cubism, objects are broken down into geometric shapes and reassembled into abstract forms. Artists present multiple perspectives simultaneously, challenging traditional ways of representing reality. Cubism can be broadly divided into two types:
- Analytical Cubism – characterized by monochromatic color palettes and the breaking down of objects into facets.
- Synthetic Cubism – involves brighter colors, simpler shapes, and the inclusion of collage elements.
Teaching Cubism to students helps them think outside the box, explore abstraction, and understand that art doesn’t always have to be realistic.
Why We Chose Cubism for Our Art Project
As an art educator, my goal was to introduce students to influential art movements that transcended traditional drawing and painting. Cubism was a great choice to encourage experimentation, creative risk-taking, and spatial awareness.
We wanted our students to:
- Learn about famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, and Georges Braque
- Explore visual storytelling through geometric design
- Use bold colors and overlapping shapes
- Discover the freedom of abstract art
Moreover, Cubism allows for differentiated learning. Every student, regardless of skill level, can succeed and create something unique.
The Process: From Classroom to Corridor
The project involved a lot of planning, painting, and passion before the beautiful final display appeared on our school wall. Here’s how it came to fruition:
1. Introduction to Cubism
We began with a visual presentation that included famous Cubist paintings. Students learned about the history of Cubism and discussed how it broke with the traditional rules of art. Key questions guided the discussion:
- What makes Cubism different?
- Why did Picasso paint faces with two different angles?
- Can we find meaning in abstract shapes?
2. Sketching and Experimenting
Students were encouraged to sketch faces, animals, and objects using basic geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, and rectangles. They explored symmetry, asymmetry, and the use of vibrant colors.
3. Painting the Final Artworks
Using markers, paint, and colored pencils, the students created their final Cubist artworks. Each student had a unique style and approach. They expressed themselves freely while applying the principles of Cubism.
4. Floor Arrangement Before the Display
Before installing the artwork, we laid out all of the students’ drawings on the floor. This helped us visualize the final layout and decide on the best arrangement. It was a collaborative effort involving students, teachers, and volunteers.
5. Creating the Wall Display
Each artwork was carefully crafted using colorful chart paper to make the wall glow with energy. We added a personal touch by labeling each piece with the student’s name. Between the art pieces, we included short printed text explaining:
- What is Cubism?
- Types of Cubism
- Quotes from famous Cubist artists
- Why is Cubism important in modern art?
We also designed a large central collage poster to act as the focal point of the wall. It combined elements of different Cubist themes and colors, giving the entire display a unified and powerful look.
Why Art Displays Matter in Schools
An art display is more than just decoration. It is a celebration of a student’s voice, talent, and creative courage. Why do we prefer displays like this?
- Recognition: Students feel proud when their work is showcased. It boosts their confidence.
- Encouragement: Younger students are inspired by what they see and become eager to participate.
- Educational Value: Displays can teach history, culture, and critical thinking through the power of visual storytelling.
- Positive School Culture: A vibrant wall makes the environment more welcoming and exciting.
Student Reactions and Reflections
One of the best parts of this project was hearing what our students had to say:
- “I didn’t know art could look like this! I loved making faces with funny shapes.”
- “My mom drew a picture of my painting on the wall. She was so happy!”
- “I learned that Picasso didn’t follow rules, and I want to try it too.”
These illustrations showed us that the students not only enjoyed the process but also understood the deeper meaning of Cubism.
Watch the Process Come to Life
See Our Cubism Art Wall in Action!
- A bold and expressive wall filled with student creativity
- Geometric, abstract artworks inspired by Picasso and Braque
- A stunning collage centerpiece and custom name labels
Watch how our Cubism display came together—from creative sketches to a bold, geometric wall full of student imagination. The video highlights vibrant colors, abstract shapes, and the joyful process of building a gallery that celebrates young artists.
Watch the transformation unfold—and stay tuned for more inspiring classroom displays that celebrate student creativity!
Final Thoughts
The Cubism Art Display was more than just an art project. It was a celebration of creativity, learning, and the power of expression. Each piece on the wall tells a story—not just of color and form, but also of imagination and growth.
As teachers, we find immense joy in seeing our students shine through their art. We look forward to more creative journeys where learning is colorful, engaging, and memorable.
Stay inspired, stay curious, and keep creating!
