Year 9 Art Lesson Plan: Introduction to Identity and Reko Rennie

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the concept of identity in art, focusing on the works of contemporary Indigenous artist Reko Rennie. Through analysis of his artwork, students will explore how artists express personal and cultural identity using various artistic elements.

Lesson Objectives

• Reflect on how artists use their work to express personal or cultural identity.
• Understand the significance of culture in shaping identity.
• Encourage thoughtful discussion and analysis of colours, symbols, and emotions in art.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction to the Topic (15 minutes)

• Video/Slideshow Presentation: Begin the lesson with a short video or slideshow showcasing Reko Rennie’s artwork. Ensure the presentation includes a variety of his works to highlight his use of colour, symbols, and patterns.

• Reflection Prompts: As students watch or view the presentation, provide them with the following prompts to encourage critical thinking:

  • What do you notice about the colours he uses?
  • How does Rennie incorporate symbols or patterns into his work?
  • What emotions or messages do you think the art is trying to convey?

2. Group Discussion (20 minutes)

• Topic Discussion: Post-presentation, facilitate a discussion based on the following questions:

  Discussion Questions:

  • What does "identity" mean to you?
  • How do you think art can express identity?
  • Why is culture an important part of identity?

• Allow students to share their thoughts in small groups before opening it up to the class. Encourage them to reference specific artworks presented earlier.

3. Creative Activity: Identity Collage (30 minutes)

• Collage Creation: Students will create their own identity collages using magazines, newspapers, coloured paper, and other materials. Encourage them to incorporate colours, symbols, and textures that resonate with their own identities.

• Steps for Collage:

  1. Think about your personal identity and cultural background.
  2. Gather materials that reflect different aspects of who you are.
  3. Create a meaningful composition that visually represents your identity.

4. Reflection and Closing (15 minutes)

• Class Sharing: Allow students to showcase their collages to the class. Ask each student to briefly explain the choices they made in their work and how it relates to their identity.

• Wrap-up Discussion: Conclude the session by revisiting the importance of identity in art, encouraging students to think about how their own identities can express themselves creatively.

Handout for Students

Identity in Art: A Reflection

• What is Identity?

  • Identity refers to how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. It may encompass aspects such as culture, beliefs, gender, and personal history.

• Reflective Questions:

  1. Write down three words that you associate with your own identity.
  2. Think about a piece of art that resonates with you – what about that artwork reflects your identity?
  3. In what ways does Reko Rennie's work inspire you to think differently about your own identity?

Workbook Activities

• Worksheet Tasks:
  1. Identify one piece of Reko Rennie’s artwork. Describe its colours and symbols.
  2. How do you think this artwork connects to the theme of identity?
  3. Create a mind map of your personal identity, including cultural elements that are important to you.

Additional Resources

• Links to online galleries featuring Reko Rennie's work.
• Suggested readings on the connection between art and cultural identity.

By the end of this lesson, students will have a deeper understanding of how art can be a powerful medium for expressing identity and culture, inspired by the works of Reko Rennie.