Masks of the Beijing Opera
Course:6thgrade Visual Art (also applicable for 7th grade)
Teacher:AnnaLouise Haynes Myers
Normal Park Museum Magnet, Chattanooga, TN
Time Required: seven 40 minute periods
MaterialsNeeded:planning form and assessment rubric, plaster strips, nitrile gloves, plastic mask forms, acrylic paints, thick sharpie markers
National Visual Arts Standards Addressed:
Cr2.1.6a Demonstrate openness in trying new ideas, materials, methods, and approaches in making works of art and design.
Cr3.1.6a Reflect on whether personal artwork conveys the intended meaning and revise accordingly.
Pr5.1.6a Individually or collaboratively, develop a visual plan for displaying works of art, analyzing exhibit space, the needs of the viewer, and the layout of the exhibit.
Cn11.1.6a Analyze how art reflects changing times, traditions, resources, and cultural uses.
Introductory Work(Completed via Google Classroom prior to the class activities)
1. TSW first, watch the "Chinese Opera" clip to learn more about this art form. Then, watch a little bit of the second video to see and hear part of a performance.
- Chinese Opera by SamForknerFilm
- 同光十三绝by CCTV
2. After watching the videos, TSW complete a reflection via Google Forms which has the following multiple choice questions/answers:
Chinese Opera traditions have existed for more than / The stories for the performances are based on / Each character has a very particular costume and facial makeup which helps the audience understand / The opera "mask" is actually / Pick five things in the list below that are the most important in making a successful Chinese Opera performance.5000 years. / the local news. / what animal he represents. / a painted, wooden carving. / makeup / singing
500 years. / Chinese myth and religion. / the timeline of the story. / very elaborate makeup. / costumes / body movement & expression
50 years. / the life of the royal family. / the importance of the character and its role in the play. / a silicone prosthetic. / props / location of the stage
music / audience participation
Session I
TTW review quiz answers with TS. TTW review importance of the Opera in the history of Chinese culture. TTW review the color symbolism in the Chinese Opera makeup. TSW thencomplete the planning form:
- First, TSW pick a fiction or non-fiction character from a book they have read in 6th grade. This human character (no animals) should be important enough (in TS opinion) to have an opera written for him/her.
- TSW pick the colors and shapes they would like to use to represent their specific character considering the cultural symbolism and how that would help the audience better understand the character.
- TSW sketch their design and use colored pencils to color in their idea (finish for homework, if necessary).
Session 2
TSW have their planning form out on their tables. Each S will receive three (or more depending on class size) sticky notes. TSW critique the designs of three peers by making a positive comment on strength in the design and asking a question about something that might be strengthened through review. When everyone is completed with the critique, TSW read the “sticky note feedback” and choose whether or not to make changes to their designs.
Session 3
After reviewing the importance of the symbolism of the masks for the opera, and how it’s not really a “mask”, TTW demonstrate and TSW make masks. Wearing nitrile gloves to protect their hands, TSW dip the pre cut plaster strips into water and smooth them into a plastic mask form. Rubbing to activate the plaster and pressing gently into the plastic form to reduce air bubbles. A minimum of five layers is recommended.
Session 4
TSW remove mask from plastic form, sketch the design lightly with pencil and begin painting with acrylic paints.
Session 5
TSW finish painting the designs.
Session 6
TSW use a thick sharpie marker to outline the designs and finish the details, as needed. TSW complete the assessment rubric and turn in project then begin typing their exhibit label on Google Classroom (to be completed for homework if needed). TTW had a hanging loop to the back of the mask.
Session 7 (at a later date)
TSW work as a team to hang their masks and proofed exhibit labels on display.