Learning to Look: Works of Art Across Time and Cultures

Why do people want pictures of themselves and others? Look at the artworks in this section and brainstorm in a group. Consider patriotism, celebrity, community pride, identity, status (to show someone's place in society), commemoration (to preserve memories), innovation (to create a new art style), and homage (to express respect or appreciation) in relation to these works.
Which contain recognizable people? Which are abstract? Why? Compare the sculptures of Benjamin Franklin and Malcolm X and discuss the differences between realism and abstraction. What are the strengths of each style?
Brainstorm how the people depicted might be portrayed using contemporary materials (e.g., video, LED sign, graphic novel, website). What would be most appropriate for each one? Why?
What do the objects in Mandarin in His Study add to our understanding of people? What objects would you include in a picture of you? Draw a self-portrait including these objects.
How is music portrayed in Three Musicians? What sort of music do you "hear" when you look at this image?
Choose one artwork and write a brief biography of the person depicted. Take turns reading the biographies aloud and guessing which person is described. Discuss how the writings relate to the images.