Artists the focus of Black History Month display boards
To mark Black History Month 2024 Junior School pupils explored the work of different artists in their year groups. Their work was then put on display in reception.
Nursery boys and girls found out more about American artist Kehinde Wiley. Kehinde is best known for his portraits that render people of colour in the traditional settings of Old Master paintings.
American artist Alma Thomas was the focus of Reception’s work. Alma developed her signature abstract painting style in the 70s after teaching art for over three decades.
Year 1 explored the work of the first black female Royal Academician, British artist Sonia Boyce. Sonia works with a range of media including photography, installation and text.
The work of another British artist, Frank Bowling, was analysed by Year 2 children. Frank is best known for his abstract paintings which can be seen in museums all over the world.
Yinka Shonibare, a British artist whose work explores cultural identity and colonialism, was examined by Year 3. A hallmark of Yinka’s art is the brightly coloured Ankara fabric he uses.
Year 4 looked at Gee’s Bend Quilters. The quilts of Gee’s Bend are amongst the most African American visual and cultural contributions to the history of art within the USA.
Nike Davies-Okundaye, one of Nigeria’s most well-known batik and Adire textile artists, was the subject of Year 5’s work. Nike uses visual themes taken from Yoruba history and mythology.
Year 6 pupils looked at Lubaina Himid, one of the first artists involved in the UK’s Black Art Movement. Her art focuses on themes of cultural history and reclaiming identities.
