Modern Ukiyo-e: Tradition Meets Modern Themes
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Modern Ukiyo-e: Tradition Meets Modern Themes

Grade 11Art5 days
In the "Modern Ukiyo-e: Tradition Meets Modern Themes" project, 11th-grade art students explore the traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock print style, integrating modern themes and social justice messages. Through activities like the creation of an art exhibit, hands-on printmaking, and cultural critiques, students develop technical proficiency, cultural understanding, and a personal artistic voice. The project emphasizes the connection between historical art techniques and contemporary societal issues, fostering a deeper appreciation for art as a medium of personal and societal expression.
Ukiyo-eWoodblock PrintingModern ThemesSocial JusticeArtistic ExpressionCultural Context
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we reinterpret the traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock print style to create modern art pieces that convey both personal and social justice messages, while reflecting cultural and historical contexts?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the defining characteristics of traditional Ukiyo-e art?
  • How can modern themes or subjects be integrated into traditional art forms?
  • What techniques are involved in creating a Japanese woodblock print?
  • How do cultural and historical contexts influence art and its interpretation?
  • In what ways can art be a medium for social justice messages?
  • How does art reflect personal and societal identity?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will understand the traditional techniques and themes of Ukiyo-e prints and use this understanding to innovate and create personal art pieces that incorporate modern themes.
  • Students will develop their ability to analyze both personal and cultural themes in art and apply this understanding to create socially relevant art pieces.
  • Students will gain proficiency in printmaking techniques inspired by Japanese woodblock prints and demonstrate this through their art projects.
  • Students will explore and apply concepts of social justice through art, creating pieces that communicate personal and societal messages.
  • Students will critically engage with the cultural and historical contexts of Ukiyo-e art and reflect this understanding in their critiques and art pieces.
  • Students will reflect on their artistic process and its relation to personal and societal identity, integrating these themes into their final projects.

National Core Arts Standards

VA:Cr1.2.HSIII
Primary
Choose from a range of materials and methods of traditional and contemporary artistic practices to plan works of art and design that reflect social and personal interests. Discuss cultural implications of and influences upon interpretations of works of art.Reason: Students create prints inspired by traditional ukiyo-e art while integrating modern themes, fulfilling the requirement to combine traditional and contemporary practices.
VA:Re7.1.HSIII
Primary
Analyze how responses to art develop over time based on knowledge of, and experience with art and life. Explain how the interaction of the two affects the perception and the reaction to works of art.Reason: Students analyze traditional ukiyo-e art and create modern interpretations, engaging with how perceptions change over time.

Social Emotional Learning Standards

SEL:Self-Awareness.3.11
Secondary
Recognize and assess personal strengths and challenges, interests, and feelings, and how they influence one's identity and choicesReason: Students reflect on and integrate personal themes into their artwork, aligning with self-awareness development.

Social Justice Standards

SJ:DI.10-12.5
Supporting
Students will recognize stereotypes and relate to people as individuals rather than representatives of groups.Reason: Through the project, students explore social justice themes, challenging stereotypes through the medium of art.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Ukiyo-e Art Exhibit

Transform your classroom into an art gallery featuring authentic ukiyo-e prints alongside modern interpretations created by local artists. Students will explore this fusion of traditional and contemporary art, analyzing the themes and techniques before brainstorming their own concepts.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Woodblock Print Technique Exploration

Students will get hands-on experience by learning the woodblock print techniques used in Ukiyo-e. This activity will involve practical skill-building and adaptation of traditional methods to their contemporary designs.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the tools and materials used in woodblock printing, ensuring students understand their use and safety precautions.
2. Demonstrate the step-by-step process of woodblock printing, from carving to inking and pressing.
3. Have students practice by creating a simple print to familiarize themselves with the technique.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA basic woodblock print created by each student, showcasing their understanding of the technique.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with learning goals of gaining proficiency in printmaking techniques inspired by Japanese woodblock prints.
Activity 2

Cultural Context Critique

Students will engage with the cultural and historical implications of Ukiyo-e art, discussing how these factors influence both traditional and contemporary works. This critique will develop their analytical skills and understanding of art’s broader context.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Facilitate a discussion on the cultural and historical contexts of Ukiyo-e, using specific examples from their previous research.
2. Have students write a critical analysis comparing the traditional Ukiyo-e themes with their modern interpretations.
3. Encourage students to reflect on how cultural context affects art interpretation and discuss as a group.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written critique comparing traditional and modern Ukiyo-e art and reflecting on cultural influences.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with VA:Re7.1.HSIII, enabling students to analyze how art responses develop over time.
Activity 3

Social Justice Art Piece

In this culminating activity, students will create their own Ukiyo-e inspired print that incorporates modern themes and social justice messages. This synthesis of traditional techniques and contemporary ideas reflects their growth and understanding throughout the project.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Guide students to finalize their sketches, incorporating any peer feedback received.
2. Have students use the woodblock printing techniques they've learned to create their final piece.
3. Organize an exhibition where students display their prints, explaining the social justice themes and personal significance behind their work.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA finished print that combines modern themes with traditional Ukiyo-e techniques, displayed in a class exhibition.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with multiple standards including VA:Cr1.2.HSIII, SEL:Self-Awareness.3.11, and SJ:DI.10-12.5, reflecting students' personal, artistic, and social understandings.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Modern Ukiyo-e Art Project Assessment Rubric

Category 1

Technical Proficiency

Assesses the student's skill and accuracy in applying traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock print techniques.
Criterion 1

Accuracy in Printing Technique

Evaluates the student's ability to correctly execute traditional woodblock printing techniques learned during the project.

Exemplary
4 Points

Execution of woodblock printing techniques is flawless; each step from carving to inking and printing is performed with precision and attention to detail.

Proficient
3 Points

Woodblock printing techniques are applied correctly with minor errors; most steps are executed smoothly with good attention to detail.

Developing
2 Points

Some understanding of woodblock techniques shown, but inconsistencies in execution; several steps display errors or lack of detail.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal understanding and application of woodblock techniques; significant errors in multiple steps and lack of attention to detail.

Criterion 2

Material Usage

Assesses the student's proficient and safe use of materials during the creation of their print.

Exemplary
4 Points

Student demonstrates exceptional understanding and safe handling of all materials, choosing the most appropriate tools for desired effects.

Proficient
3 Points

Student uses materials safely and appropriately, with some exploration of different tools to achieve various effects.

Developing
2 Points

Student shows basic safe use of materials, but limited in selecting appropriate tools for desired effects.

Beginning
1 Points

Student struggles with safe material use and rarely chooses appropriate tools, affecting print results.

Category 2

Creative Expression and Innovation

Evaluates the student's creativity and ability to innovate by integrating modern themes with traditional Ukiyo-e style.
Criterion 1

Integration of Modern Themes

Measures the effectiveness of integrating modern themes and social justice messages into the traditional art form.

Exemplary
4 Points

Modern themes and social justice messages are seamlessly integrated with traditional art forms, showing deep insight and originality.

Proficient
3 Points

Modern themes and social justice messages are effectively incorporated, with clear connections to traditional styles.

Developing
2 Points

Modern themes are present but integration with traditional styles lacks cohesion and depth.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal attempt to integrate modern themes; traditional and modern elements are disjointed.

Criterion 2

Originality and Personal Voice

Assesses the student's originality and the extent to which personal voice and perspective are expressed in their artwork.

Exemplary
4 Points

Artwork is highly original and displays a strong personal voice and perspective, making it unique and insightful.

Proficient
3 Points

Artwork shows originality and personal voice, with some unique insights and perspectives.

Developing
2 Points

Some originality and personal voice evident, but heavily reliant on known themes without unique insights.

Beginning
1 Points

Little originality or personal voice; artwork lacks distinctive personal perspective.

Category 3

Cultural and Contextual Understanding

Assesses the student's understanding of cultural and historical influences on Ukiyo-e and modern art.
Criterion 1

Cultural Context Analysis

Measures the ability to analyze the cultural and historical contexts of Ukiyo-e and relate them to modern interpretations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Student offers a comprehensive analysis, insightfully connecting cultural and historical contexts with modern interpretations in their critique.

Proficient
3 Points

Student provides a detailed analysis with clear connections between cultural contexts and modern art interpretations.

Developing
2 Points

Analysis of cultural contexts is superficial, with some attempt to connect with modern interpretations but lacking depth.

Beginning
1 Points

Lacks understanding of cultural contexts, with weak or incorrect connections to modern interpretations.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on your artistic journey in integrating modern themes with traditional ukiyo-e print techniques. How did this process impact your understanding of art as a medium for personal and social expression?

Text
Required
Question 2

How confident do you feel in your ability to use woodblock print techniques after completing this project?

Scale
Required
Question 3

In what ways did exploring the cultural and historical context of Ukiyo-e art influence your final art piece?

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Question 4

Did your understanding of art as a social justice tool change through this project? Please explain.

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Question 5

Which skills do you believe improved the most throughout this project? Select all that apply.

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Woodblock printing techniques
Cultural and historical analysis
Social justice theme integration
Artistic self-expression
Critical thinking and reflection
Question 6

Overall, how satisfied are you with your final art piece and the process of creating it?

Scale
Required