Nature and Man: The Intersection of Culture
During our teaching at Open Gate, we strive for interdisciplinarity and connecting real-life contexts. One recent lesson in Kvinta was titled "Nature and Man: The Intersection of Culture." In actuality, we set out to explore the deep relationship between humans and nature through art and creative expression.
Students were required to meet several objectives:
- Explore works of art that highlight the connection between humans and nature.
- Discuss how artists depict this relationship.
- To view a documentary film and consider it as a means of expression.
- Create and present environmental art, and present it as an exhibition entry.
In preparation for the hands-on portion of the lesson, students watched the documentary "Forest, Field, and Sky: Art Out of Nature" and focused on topics such as beauty, impermanence, and the use of natural materials. Andy Goldsworthy's “Red Leaf Patch” was a key example of how nature's cycles of change and decay influence his work.
Students worked on creating environmental art on campus using found materials, while respecting nature and with minimal impact on the environment. Within 45 minutes, they created artwork that they presented using a single slide presentation that included a photograph of the artwork and a brief description of it.
This project encouraged artistic expression while deepening the students' appreciation for the beauty and fragility of nature.