Art as Social Commentary

The impact of war is deep and profound. Moving paintings, along with brief narrations from veteran artists and other former soldiers, show scholars how the cost of war is paid for years to come. Individuals dive deeper into the artwork...

Young historians investigate World War I by watching a short video clip of art created by soldiers. As viewers analyze the pieces a clearer picture of the horrors of war comes to light. 

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn continues to be one of the most frequently banned books. The satire and social commentary present challenges when using the book as a core text. Direct readers' attention to how Twain uses plot,...

High schoolers engage in this thought-provoking instructional activity which has them view images from the past that depict the social condition. During the series of four lessons, pupils design a PowerPoint and a photo montage of images...

A critical discussion regarding the nature of Shinique Smith's second-hand clothing art is the foundation for the lesson. Critical thinkers fully analyze the meaning behind her work, taking close consideration of where the clothing came...

Social issues of gender and media stereotypes, begins with a multi-sensory experience. Learners view the painting Backlash Blues and make critical comments based on what they see. They then read the Langston Hughes poem and listen to the...

“Humanscape No.65” by Melesia Casas and Ester Hernandez’s “Sun Maid Raisins” launch a study of how works of art can advocate for social change. After examining these two works and discussing the human rights issues raised, class members...

Before the class makes abstract art, they see contemporary examples and analyze them. They look at art made by abstract artists under the age of 33 then use similar techniques to create an interesting collection of their own. The lesson...

David Binnington's mural commemorating the 1936 Battle of Cable Street is the focus of a instructional activity that looks at public art as a form of civic participation. After reading background material about the mural, individuals...