NOTE TO TEACHER: This project needs to be carefully guided. It may not illustrate a tale or use any plagiarized images (from Disney, etc.). It needs to be the learner’ own contemporary interpretation.
PAT:
Fairy tales, rhymes and other stories…
Annelies Strba, Nyima, 2009. PaintingMany of the fairy tales we know have evolved from centuries-old stories that have appeared, with variations, in different cultures around the world. Fairy tales were originally intended for an audience of adults, as well as children. They usually take place in ‘once upon a time’, rather than in actual times. It usually has a happy ending. The fairy tale emerged as an unquestioned genre in literature in the works of the Brothers Grimm who recorded various tales from different cultures.
Fairy tales with very similar plots, characters, and motifs are found spread across many different cultures. Some see that fairy tales stem from common human experience and therefore can appear separately in many different origins. Many researchers hold this to be caused by the spread of such tales, as people repeat tales they have heard in foreign lands, although the oral nature makes it impossible to trace the route except by inference.
Fairy tales also involve symbolism and psychology. Every fairy tale asks us a moral question. There are often archetypical and stereotypical characters such as the evil stepmother, prince charming, the bad wolf, the innocent heroine, etc. It often has a message disguised by the make-believe story. The Hansel and Gretel story is then an examination of children’s emotional growth and eventual their rejection of parental supervision. Many tales (like Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Sleeping Beauty) have a sexual tone, and explore sexual awakening and desire. Many critics have written about the symbolism in fairy tales and for instance many feminist critics have attacked the figure of the damsel in distress.
Little Red Riding Hood“Oh Grandmother, what big hands you have!”
“All the better to grab you with, my dear.”
“Oh Grandmother, what big teeth you have!”
“All the better to eat you with, my dear.”
Originally this story had a strong sexual undertone and tells of a young girl’s sexual awakening (the red cloak). Girls should be aware of all the ‘wolves’ out there and listen to the wisdom of their parents. /
Paula Rego, The wolf chats up Red riding Hood, 2003
Paula Rego, Little Red Riding Hood on the edge, 2003 / Paula Rego, Mother wears the Wolf’s pelt, 2003
Nursery Rhymes are also interesting to investigate:
Ring-a-ring-a-roses,A pocket full of posies;
Hush! hush! hush! hush!
We’re all tumbled down. / This rhyme is often associated with the plaque in England. A rosy rash was a symptom of the plague; posies of herbs were carried as protection and to ward off the smell of the disease. Coughing was a final fatal symptom, and 'all fall down' was exactly what happened.
In South Africa there are also interesting folktales and rhymes to investigate. Afrikaans children grew up with “Wolf, wolf, hoe laat is dit?” (again a wolf!), a game played outside. Antjie Somers a legend and a bogey figure used to scare children. It is alleged that Antjie Somers was a bandit dressed in woman’s clothes who attacked travelers at night. Other sources claim that Somers was just an angry, bitter man after losing his job (having accidentally killed someone) and becoming a fugitive. Frustrated by the fact that he couldn’t return home, or lead a normal life, he stayed in the disguise that he had used to run from the law - clothes belonging to his sister. It is said that he terrorised children while wearing the disguise.
Bottom of Form
Siembamba, mama se kindjie,Siembamba, mama se kindjie
--draai sy nek om, gooi hom in die sloot;
trap op sy kop dan is hy dood. /
Artwork by Conrad Botes /
Dorothea Tanning
/ Lewis Carroll’s timeless novels, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, have fascinated children and adults alike since their publication over 150 years ago. Alice in Wonderland at Tate Liverpool, 2011, was the first exhibition of its kind to explore how Lewis Carroll’s stories have influenced the visual arts.
Peter Blake
Anna Gaskell / Francesca Woodman
Kiki Smith, Installation of works based on Little Red Riding Hood
Consider the theme of Fairy tales, rhymes and other stories…
This theme is open to many interpretations. It can be descriptive or more metaphorical and symbolic. Find an original and creative solution to create a truly personal interpretation.
What must you do?
· You must create a painting loosely based on a fairy tale or rhyme. It may not illustrate the tale or use any plagiarized images (from Disney, etc.). It needs to be your own contemporary interpretation.
· Try to be innovative and original. You can consider taking photos for source material. Develop your own symbols.
· Technique is always important. Consider your strengths and weaknesses when deciding on your interpretation.
· Good art is honest and tells us something of the artist and his/her world.
· Think of the meaning of your work, e.g. relating to gender issues. It needs to have a subtle message.
· Decide on the style of expression – expressionistic, naturalistic, etc.
The following gives some ideas how to start your conceptualising in your source book / work book / journal.1. List different fairy tales, rhymes, etc. Consider using South African examples. Decide on one of these that you will like to explore.
2. Make a mind map on your chosen idea. Consider the stereotypes and messages.
3. Finally consider the following:
· Intentions, aims or ideas that you wish to convey.
· Images that would best express your intentions.
· Media that could successfully communicate these ideas.
· Techniques that would be the most appropriate for your media and ideas.
· Size, format and presentation that would suit your ideas.
Annelies Strba, Nyima, 2009. Inkjet on canvas.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
SECTION A: THE SOURCE BOOK
CRITERIA
Concept development (mind maps, annotated sketches and drawings to show concept development.) / 10Research, investigation, experimentation, et cetera / 15
Process drawings / 15
Presentation and overall view / 10
TOTAL
/ 50SECTION B: THE ART WORK
CRITERIA
Choice and use of materials/techniques / 10Use of formal art elements / 10
Overall impression of work – originality, creativity, innovation / 10
Interpretation and practical implementation of research / 10
Completion of artwork / time management / presentation / 10
TOTAL
/ 50COMBINED TOTAL
/ 1007