4.2 Recognising signs and symbols

Arts and culture

Grade 7

Creating, interpreting and performing

Module 15

Recognising signs and symbols

Visual Arts

Activity 1:

To recognise signs and symbols

[lo 1.10]

• In the previous modules you looked at colour, texture, body decoration , the difference between art, handicraft and design , as well as the importance of heritage . In Module 4 the focus will be on design and the use of symbols. Attention will also be paid to patterns as well as the presentation and exhibition of works of art.

STEP 1

• What is the meaning of the symbol X ?
• See how many meanings for X can you enter into your journal.
• Look at the two illustrations below and write down their meanings:

Meaning A:___________________ Meaning B: _________________________

Draw at least TWO additional examples.

STEP 2

Sign language is used when someone is deaf or cannot hear due to circumstances. See whether you can understand the following meanings of sign language:

Meaning A:_________________ Meaning B: ______________

Draw possible interpretations for sleep and keep quiet in your journals.

STEP 3

Study the road signs and other symbols and give their meanings:

Meanings:

A:

B:

C:

D:

E:

F:

G:

H:

Write a paragraph of approximately 50 words in your journal on the following topic:

ROAD SIGNS - WITH OR WITHOUT WORDS? State whether it is better to use just visual signs instead of written language on road signs or not. Take into consideration language barriers and preferences.

Activity 2:

To portray human rights as symbols

[lo 1.10]

STEP 1

Look at symbols A to D below and write down the meaning of each. Then write down the connection of each to human rights. Look at the various Children's Rights in Module 2.

A

Meaning:

Connection with human rights:

B

Meaning:

Connection with human rights:

C

Meaning:

Connection with human rights:

D

Meaning:

Connection with human rights:

STEP 2

In 1952 the artist Picasso changed a small church to the Temple of Peace by making a huge mural to show how peace can triumph over war. During that period he made several drawings of doves and even named his daughter Paloma (Spanish for dove). Picasso also designed a poster with the Dove of Peace for the International Peace Conference. Study these two examples of Picasso's doves of peace and then design your own peace symbols. Remember to use simple designs and to make use of white and black contrasts - as this lends impact to the symbol.

• MY OWN PEACE SYMBOL

STEP 3

Enter into your journal what the series of symbols in your module intends communicating. In the open spaces you must make a series of simple drawings to visually communicate or symbolize one of the following themes:

A. Keep the environment clean

B. Equal rights for everyone

1. Make Peace

Activity 3:

To prepare works of art for the presentation of an art exhibition

[lo 1.10, 1.11]

STEP 1

Choose THREE of your best works of art done throughout the year for a joint class art exhibition. All three pieces must be exhibited together on the same background. The background can be a big piece of waste paper or carton.

STEP 2

After the three pieces have been stapled or glued to the background you must prepare the background by applying texture in the form of string, thread, feathers etc, and then paint it a colour which complements the three works of art. You must also put a border pattern around the works of art. It may be an existing symbol that is repeated or it may be a created symbol, as long as it is connected to your works of art.

STEP 3

The teacher will find a venue in the school to host a formal exhibition.

Assessment