Projects
"All that once was directly lived has receded into representation"
Guy Debord
EWWR Project with the Gozo College, Iz-Zebbug Primary School, 2023
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Method: Classes from Kinder 1 to year 6 (112 students in total) were offered to participate in this project. Each class was involved in separate walks around our village. Kids were assisted by their tutor to record and document every man-made object found scattered around the environment. This was done by taking photos and mapping the site where waste was found. Waste separation during the collection was of utmost importance. Once the material was collected, all bags were placed in a safe place at school. This material was reused for the creation of the final outcome, an artwork on panel - 122cm by 244cm.
The Artwork: The preparation of the primary layer included gesso, pigments, PVA glue and other natural material to gain texture. Once the surface was dried, a form of a tree was depicted and covered with tape translating the idea of negative space. At this phase, students fixed their paintings of their favourite animal/sea creature/plant who had done beforehand. Students fixed these drawings on the wet surface of the panel (prepared beforehand making use of PVA glue), together with the collected material. Then, using a stick students performed while splattering different colours over the whole surface. Each student made use of his/her own colour. One colour for each student. Students were guided by the artist during the whole project.
Idea generation: Students used their fine and gross motor skills to learn how to maintain a clean environment respecting nature. They dipicted their favourite pet/sea creature/plant and placed it in their respective spaces, forming an effective teamwork. When students splattered the paint over their paintings, they understood the damage they caused over their own paintings. These paintings are a representation of their environment, the plants, the flowers, the trees, the animals, or the sea creatures experience the same shocking, drastic result in the moment waste, plastics or other man-made object is being strewn over them without any respect.
A positive outcome: including narrative element and playful qualities, students gained a better understanding. They were happy to learn about waste separation and how to maintain a clean environment. They understood the damages caused by plastics and other waste in the environment. Children appeared very enthusiastic to put in practice their learning skills and shared their knowledge gained throughout this project with their family and friends.