Introduction to theArt and Impact of Pedro Linares
Meets the learning standards for grades 4-5 (can be adapted)
Media Type:Foiland Tape Sculpture
Subject Integration: Fine Arts, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science
Click here for Formal Lesson Plan and TEKS Information
Materials:writing materials, paper,aluminumfoil ornewsprint,wire/pipe cleaners (optional),masking tape, permanent markers or paint, and brushes
This lesson provides10 new vocabulary words:
- Tradition
- Interpretation
- Appropriation
- Sculpture and Sculptor
- Four Elements
- Native Species
- Characteristic
- Supply-and-Demand
- Culture
- Legacy
Do you know how to show respect for cultures and artists without appropriating from thatculture?This articlewill help you understand and talk about appreciation vs.appropriation.
Have you ever heard of anAlebrije?What can you observe from these imagesof Pedro Linaressculptures? Whatmaterials do you think they are made of? What do youinterpretthe subject matter to be?What can you observe about the colorsand designs?
Activity 1
Watch this short video ofthelegacyandtraditionsresulting fromPedro Linares’unique artistic style:
Pedro Linares’ grandson, Leonardo Linares Vargassaidthat he believesAlebrijesshouldcontainqualities of animalsfrom3 out of the4 elements(air, water, earth, fire).
Create a list ofnative (animal) speciesfrom the region where you liveand then classify which element each animal represents. Come up with multipleanimalexamples for each element.
Now selectoneanimal fromthreedifferentcategories and do a quick,5-minutesketch of a fantastical creature(Alebrije)that has qualities from each of your chosen animals.
Activity 2
Review the authentic/traditional materialsandmethods of makingAlebrijes.What are some options for non-traditional materials and methods to make artwork inspired by the sculptures of Pedro Linares?
Time to begin!We will usealuminumfoil, pipe cleaners,or wire toformthe general shapes of thevarious components of ourAlebrije.
Use masking tape to connect all the body parts of yourAlebrije(this ismuch easier with the assistance of a partner).
Usesmall pieces of masking tape (2 inches or less) to gradually cover all surfaces of theAlebrijeto simulate papier-mache.
Once the whole sculpture is covered in tape, it’s time to add color! You can usepermanent markers, paint, or both to createthe colorfuldesignsthat will complete yourAlebrije.
Share… Reflect! How can a unique artistic perspective (like Pedro Linares’Alebrijes) create an artistic and economic shift within a community?How did our knowledge of biology/zoology help us interact with these works of art? How can we use our own artistic perspectives to positively contribute to our communities?
Extending the lesson:
Teachers and parents, if your learners are interested in creating agiant Papier-Mache animalorAlebrije, you can find an opportunity to participate in the 2021 Los Muertos Parade here.
Review of Vocabulary for this Lesson:
Tradition – The handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice:
Interpretation –The action of explaining the meaning of something.A stylistic representation of a creative work or dramatic role.
Appropriation –The inappropriateadoption of the practices, customs, or aesthetics of one social or ethnic group by members of another (typically dominant) community or society.
Sculpture– Three-dimensional art made by one of four basic processes:carving,modeling, casting, constructing.
Sculptor–An artist who makes sculptures.
4 Elements –The ancients believed the World to be composed of 4 basic elements – Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. These were considered the critical energy forces that sustained life.
Native Species – A speciesindigenous to a given region orecosystemif its presence in that region is the result of only local natural evolution.
Characteristic –A feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it.
SupplyandDemand –A theory that explains the interaction between the sellers of a resource and the buyers for that resource.
Culture –The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.
Legacy –Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intersection between art, culture, and education. My extensive knowledge is grounded in firsthand experiences and a thorough exploration of various artistic movements. In particular, I've delved into the fascinating world of Pedro Linares and his significant impact on the art scene.
Pedro Linares, a Mexican folk artist renowned for his Alebrijes, has left an indelible mark on the art landscape. These vibrant sculptures, often depicting fantastical creatures, showcase a rich blend of tradition, interpretation, and appropriation. Linares' work seamlessly integrates elements of sculpture, drawing inspiration from the four elements—air, water, earth, and fire.
In the realm of fine arts, this article introduces students to essential concepts like tradition, interpretation, appropriation, sculpture, and sculptor. The inclusion of vocabulary related to native species, characteristic, supply and demand, culture, and legacy enriches the learning experience. It's evident that the lesson plan aims to cultivate a holistic understanding of art by integrating subjects such as English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.
The practical activities outlined in the article bridge the gap between theory and application. From sketching fantastical creatures inspired by native species to creating Alebrijes using unconventional materials like aluminum foil and masking tape, students are encouraged to think creatively and embrace non-traditional methods.
Moreover, the article prompts critical thinking about appreciation versus appropriation, urging learners to respect diverse cultures and artistic expressions. By exploring the legacy and traditions behind Pedro Linares' unique style, students gain insights into the cultural significance of art and its potential to create both artistic and economic shifts within communities.
In summary, this article provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and impact of Pedro Linares, skillfully weaving together various concepts to engage students in a multifaceted learning experience. The integration of hands-on activities ensures that learners not only understand these concepts theoretically but also apply them in a practical, artistic context.
