Out of Hours

Introduction to Tate Modern: Activity 1

Introduction
Activity 1: Interpreting Landscape
Activity 2: 15 Minute Sculptures

Describe a landscape to a partner, who has to 'interpret' it through drawing. Set a 3 minute time limit. Swap roles and repeat. Exchange images and discuss as a group ways, and difficulties, if any, in interpreting.

Discuss: Tate Modern and Display

Gather at entrance to the Gallery. Elicit first impressions of Tate Modern, such as aspects of the building that are striking or interesting. Give a brief history of the building and collection. Discuss issues of arrangement of artworks (curation). In what order do we expect art to be arranged and displayed? (chronological vs thematic). Introduce Tate's thematic display. Elicit possible categories for each of the four sections. What does this thematic choice of display say about how Tate wants us to interpret the art? What does this say about Tate

Within the landscape suite we looked at the different approaches of Claude Monet, Jules Olitski, Mark Rothko and Surrealist artists, all linked under Tate's theme of Landscape, Matter, Environment. We focussed on two very different artworks that were made at the same time (an Impressionist work and a Surrealist work), illustrating that artists take different approaches within the same era. It is important here to stress that it is Tate's decision to theme this work as landscape... perhaps consider which, if any, of the other sections these works would fit into. What role do the pupils think Tate has in determining the 'meaning' of the artwork?

Focus on Surrealists. Elicit interpretations of the word 'surreal', and what this suggests about the work they made. Discuss Lobster Telephone by Salvador Dali. Bringing together everyday objects to disrupt, transform and create new meanings.

Activity Images

Jules Olitski, Instant Loveland, 1968.
Jules Olitski/VAGA, New York and DACS, London 2002.