Picture © National Gallery, London
An exhibition of pupil’s artwork at the National Gallery based on the Gallery’s outreach project, Line of Vision, opens this month (April 2009).
It has given the budding young artists involved an opportunity to work closely with masterpieces from the National Gallery’s collection.
Primary school children from Brent, Greenwich, Southware and Enfield primary schools in London will have their interpretations of work by Velázquez, Crivelli and Rubens displayed at the Exhibition.
Pupils at Line of Vision Workshop "Please Mr Postman". Workshop inspired by Crivelli’s The Annunciation With Saint Emidius. Picture © National Gallery, London
Line of Vision is a programme of practical projects that aims to ensure inclusion for young people and provide opportunities for them to creatively engage with the National Gallery’s collection.
As part of Line of Vision, pupils took part in practical art workshops co-ordinated by therapeutic creativity charity The Place2Be.
Emma Rehm, National Gallery Outreach Officer, said the show would be "inspirational".
"Many of the children will never have been inside an art gallery before, and to create their own works of art and have them displayed at the National Gallery will help increase their self-esteem and confidence." she pointed out.
“Through projects like Line of Vision," Rehm added, "the National Gallery can help promote emotional wellbeing in our schools and in the community and make a huge difference to these children."
Pupils from Oakington Manor and Surrey Square School at Line of Vision Workshop "Please Mr Postman". Workshop inspired by Crivelli’s The Annunciation With Saint Emidius. Picture © National Gallery, London
The pupils began making 2D and 3D artworks in response to National Gallery paintings in Autumn 2008.
Rubens’ A View of Het Steen in the Early Morning (1636) was used as an example of colour and light usage for one group of pupils, and the "rich detail and symbolism" in his powerful 1486 depiction of The Annunciation was the focus for a fellow group.
Velázquez’s early 17th century La Tela Real was also cited as a symbol of layer organisation, from which the group formed a collective interpretation of the painting.
"They were encouraged to creatively engage with the National Gallery’s collection by sharing their thoughts about the paintings and using them as an inspiration for their own artwork," noted Rehm.
The pupils with work that will form part of the display at the National Gallery. Picture © National Gallery, London
Rehm concluded, "Line of Vision also offers a unique opportunity for young people to see examples of a contemporary artist’s work, discuss these with them and gain an insight into how they too are inspired by the National Gallery’s collection."
Emma Rehm, National Gallery Outreach Officer, spoke of the Line of Vision programme as "inspirational". Picture © National Gallery, London
Why not get in touch with your local gallery or museum’s education team to see what they offer for schools? There might be scope for a similar outreach project with your school.
Try our Places to Go section for venues near you.
