"Identity Exploration" Self -Portrait painting by MYP4 students

 

The Middle Years Programme (MYP), designed for students aged 11 to 16, emphasizes holistic development by addressing cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and creative dimensions. This approach nurtures well-rounded individuals rather than focusing solely on academic achievements. Creativity is essential for students, as it enhances problem-solving skills and fosters self-expression, enabling them to develop adaptability and collaboration skills crucial for navigating future challenges in a dynamic world.

The MYP Visual Arts offers diverse opportunities for creating artwork in innovative ways, Students have the freedom to create artwork in 2D, 3D, or lens media. They can express their creativity using any medium they choose. This allows for a diverse range of artistic expression. each year I plan a new unit to encourage exploration. For MYP 4 this year, our unit is titled "Me, Myself, and I," focusing on self-portraiture. Students will have the chance to create artwork using various styles, with the key concept being Identity. The related concepts are Expression and Style, while the global context is Identities and Relationships. The statement of inquiry is: "Identity can be expressed through various styles by understanding relationships."

We began the unit by assessing prior knowledge, where students shared their understanding of portraiture. Through a PowerPoint presentation, they explored historical and contemporary self-portraits. To develop their drawing skills, students created pencil shading stippling technique artworks based on childhood photographs. Maintaining a journal is a vital part of a student's life, allowing them to generate new and unique ideas, they also can conduct experiments, and much more. In short, it helps them develop Task Criterion B, which focuses on development.

In Task 1, students investigated a movement or genre within their chosen arts discipline, related to the statement of inquiry, and critiqued an artwork from that movement or genre. In the unit  "Me Myself I  inquiry is made through a structured exploration of identity and expression. Students begin by posing guiding questions such as "What does my identity look like?" and "How can I express my experiences through art?" This leads them to investigate various artistic styles and techniques.

As they research historical and contemporary self-portraits, students analyze how different artists convey identity and emotions. They engage in reflective journaling, documenting their thoughts and ideas throughout the creative process. Additionally, students critique their own work and that of their peers, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic choices and styles.

Through this inquiry-based approach, students not only develop their artistic skills but also gain insights into their personal identities, ultimately enriching their self-portrait creations.

To develop their skills and gain a deeper understanding of artistic techniques. they reproduced the same artwork using oil colors. Additionally, to broaden their knowledge, students selected two artists from different art periods and analyzed the similarities and differences between their works. The main idea of planning for similarities and differences is to develop students' critical thinking skills, broaden their perspectives, and enhance their awareness of different cultures. By engaging in this analysis, students learn to critically evaluate information, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and cultivate empathy towards various cultural backgrounds. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and relationships in our interconnected world.

Overall, the "Me, Myself, and I" unit allows MYP 4 students to explore their identities through diverse artistic styles. By engaging in reflection and creative expression, they enhance their technical skills and deepen their self-understanding. This holistic approach fosters personal growth and appreciation for the varied expressions of identity. Ultimately, students learn to articulate their unique perspectives and connect with others through art.