Gallions Primary School, Newham

Second Nature 2008
Year 4: Classes Gamelan and Calypso

On their visit to Tate Britain, Gallions Primary School produced a series of drawings based on organic shapes from Jean Helion's Ile de France and angular shapes from David Bomberg's The Mud Bath. Working in pairs they combined their drawings and turned the new shapes into sculptures. Five objects were then arranged and photographed, becoming the basis for the design of larger sculptures made of bamboo and mod roc. Photographs of these works in the school garden were exhibited at Tate Britain and at the University of East London as part of Create It! Newham's Annual Schools Art Exhibition. The appearance of the sculptures change over time as plants grow around them.

On the last day of the project, parents and carers were invited to the school, taken on tours by their children and interviewed about their opinions on art. The sculptures have subsequently been used as a basis for philosophy and writing sessions.

For images, visit the Gallions Gallery »
and Family Day »

Teachers: James Howard and Stacey Maw
Artist:: Karen Logan and Daniel Wallis

"The children responded wonderfully with careful, insightful explanations of process and concept. They were fully aware of how we all see different things in art, and that imagination plays an important role." Karen Logan, artist

"This supports everything we're already learning and the skills the children have learnt through this project they'll certainly bring into other areas of the curriculum." Paul Jackson, head teacher