KS3 Art Project: Art in Boxes

Exploring Art at KS3
Suitable for any KS3 year group, this versatile art project has primarily been delivered to Year 9 students and serves as an excellent foundation for future endeavors at GCSE level.

What’s Included
A comprehensive slideshow featuring clear examples and a step by step guide

Assemblage and Collage Techniques
Joseph Cornell is famous for his shadow boxes and collages that combine found objects, photographs, and ephemera. Students would learn how to assemble disparate materials into a cohesive artwork, understanding composition, balance, and visual storytelling. John Dilnot also uses collage techniques, often focusing on themes of nature and urban life. Students would practice layering images and objects to create complex, textured works.

Narrative Construction
Both artists often imbue their work with a strong sense of narrative or story. Students would develop the ability to tell stories visually, using objects and images to evoke specific emotions, ideas, or memories.
This involves thinking critically about symbolism and how different elements can work together to communicate a theme.

Composition and Spatial Awareness
Creating an assemblage within a confined space, such as a box, requires careful consideration of composition and spatial relationships. Students would develop an understanding of how to arrange objects in a way that is visually pleasing and narratively effective.

Attention to Detail
Both artists’ works are often intricate, requiring careful attention to detail. Students would learn to focus on the small elements of their work, ensuring that every piece contributes to the overall impact.

Mixed Media Proficiency
Working in the style of Cornell and Dilnot involves combining different media—photographs, objects, papers, and more. Students would gain experience in mixing media and experimenting with different textures and surfaces.

Conceptual Thinking
Both artists explore complex themes - Cornell often dealt with dreams, nostalgia, and memory, while Dilnot frequently examines environmental issues. Students would develop their conceptual thinking, learning how to translate abstract ideas into visual form.

Project Duration
Approximately 12 to 15 weeks, equivalent to one term.