Teaching art to kids should incorporate teaching about surrealism, including painters like Joan Miro.
Joan Miro, also known as Joan Miro I Ferra, lived from 1893 to 1983 and worked as a painter, sculptor and ceramicist in Barcelona. Miro was born to a goldsmith and watchmaker and though his family moved to Paris, they still spent summers in Catalonia where he was influenced by artists. Miro's style was influenced greatly by surrealism and Dadaism. When teaching students about Joan Miro, it is helpful to focus on his life and works of art, his impact on art and on common criticism of his work.
Instructions
1. Show a photograph of Joan Miro and show on a map where he lived in both Paris and Catalonia.
2. Present information about Joan Miro's family, including how his family made a living, and where he studied art.
3. Discuss the work of artists who influenced Joan Miro's own work, including Andre Masson, Pablo Picasso, Tristan Tzara and Andre Breton, and discuss similarities among the work of the artists.
4. Explain the meaning of surrealism and how it influenced art, including how such artists and writers often feature the element of surprise, focus on juxtapositions, and use imagery. Make sure you discuss the definitions of juxtaposition and imagery in your discussion.
5. View some copies of his paintings or other artwork and the meaning of each piece. Discuss how Joan Miro uses figures, shapes and colors, to present the meaning of the work.
6. Discuss what critics thought of his work and determine whether you agree or disagree with the criticism.
7. Talk about what awards Joan Miro won during his lifetime, such as the Venice Biennale and the Guggenheim International Award, and review the piece of work for which he won the award.
8. Discuss how and when Miro died and which of his works continue to be on display.
9. Discuss what impact he has had on other painters, such as Julian Hatton.
