Ever-Changing Art, by John W. Healy
What seems obvious may not be what the artist intended
Mikayla, 3, and Daria, 6, participate in an experiment to determine the effects the elements have on art
When our classes study historic works of art, what they observe does not necessarily represent the full intentions of the artist at the moment the piece was completed. Drawings, paintings, sculpture, tapestries, architecture and other media are all subject to change over time. The two ways artistic intent can be altered is through chemical and physical change.
Since looking at historical works influence the way children create art, it then becomes important that they be aware of these transformations.
Identifying changes to art
Barry Zeman, a science teacher at Woodland Middle School in East Meadow, NY, offered to conduct a series of experiments using the scientific method which would be geared towards identifying the different changes that can affect art.
Through these experiments, children could also learn how to preserve and maintain works of art including their own.
Barry's two children, Mikayla, 3, and Daria, 6, participated in one of our experiments. We had decided that the framework for all of the experiments would be grounded in the scientific method – purpose, hypothesis, experiment, observation and conclusion.
In addition, elementary school children may find it valuable to learn that works of art change over time. The scientific method is an invaluable tool for understanding our changing world.
The process
Have each student create one simple outline drawing on paper of a subject in which they are interested. It should lend itself towards being painted in a simple, repetitive way.
Using tracing paper, trace the original drawing.
Slide carbon paper, or some equivalent, under the tracing paper and repeat the drawing five times on five separate pieces of paper.
Using some water-based paints, gouache, acrylic, or water colors, paint the five outline drawings in a similar fashion. In order to perform this experiment, all five paintings should be somewhat uniform.
To induce a chemical change in these paintings, they will be ex-posed to rain and sunlight. Other variables that could be suited for the experiment are burning and smoke exposure. To induce a physical change, the paintings will be crumpled and torn or the paint chipped off.
The scientific method
Purpose: To see how chemical and physical changes affect works of art over a period of time.
Hypothesis: Exposure to chemical and physical changes will, over time, alter the appearance of a work of art.
Procedure: Four separate experiments will be conducted utilizing the variables of light, rain, tearing and chipping. One painting will function as a control and will not be used in the experiment.
Experiments
Experiment 1: Hang one painting in a window, exposing the piece of artwork to direct sunlight.
Experiment 2: Leave one painting outdoors, exposed to rain.
Experiment 3: Chip paint off a painting.
Experiment 4: Rip a picture in half.
Control: Leave one painting in a plastic bag away from light and the elements.
Observations
Experiment 1: When I did this experiment with my students, my painting showed an overall yellowing of the picture as well as a fading of color.
Experiment 2: I found that the color ran slightly. The overall painting turned slightly dingy and dark.
Experiment 3: When I chipped paint off my painting, the picture became incomplete.
Experiment 4: After I rip-ped a picture in half, I lost the continuity of the painting.
Control: When I kept the painting away from the light and the elements, there was no change.
Conclusion
Through our experiments, our hypothesis has been confirmed. Chemical and physical changes have altered the original intent and expression of the artist. Change is very much a part of our lives.
Changes in art due to the elements or aging is something of which our students might not be aware. Without a fundamental understanding of this subject, it would be difficult for students to fully comprehend what happens to historical works of art over time.
Using both the principles of the scientific method and solid artistic insights, your students will have the a better understanding of the world around them.
Dr. John W. Healy teaches art at Woodland Middle School, East Meadow, NY.
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