Guernica (pictured above) is a famous painting named for the small village in Spain that was destroyed by terror bombings in 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. This painting, painted by Pablo Picasso, represents the tragedies of war and the suffering of innocent people. Through the years this work has gained monumental status as a symbol for peace.
This painting is an example of Cubism. Cubism is a form of painting that simplifies, flattens, and shows more than one view at the same time. Read a really good explanation here: What is Cubism?
Check out this site for more information on Picasso and Guernica.
Here is the video that breaks the artwork down into recognizable symbols.
ASSIGNMENT:
Inspired by Picasso’s symbolism and artwork, imagine that Glidden has been bombed. Create a work that has representations for the following:
*good
*evil
*mental suffering
*physical suffering
*hope
*representation of Glidden
*area of cubism (the art style of the original Guernica painting)
Some other Cubism paintings by Picasso:
HANDOUT: Use this to help plan your ideas for each element of the artwork. (click below)
| guernica_concept_framework.pdf |
THINK ABOUT:
1. What can artworks tell us about a culture or society?
2. How did creating your own version of Guernica make you think about this event happening here and in other times/areas of the world?
Student Examples:
1. What can artworks tell us about a culture or society?
2. How did creating your own version of Guernica make you think about this event happening here and in other times/areas of the world?
Student Examples:
