For

Middle Years Students

Curriculum

Interpersonal Development, Humanities and Art

Aim

To research the work of Wifredo Lam and Alberto Giacometti and the influences of other cultures and artists on their work.

Preparation

To do this activity you will need to:

• Read the information for Theme Three – Postwar Figuration in Europe and the Americas.
• View the work either online or in the exhibition.
• Research through the library or Internet.

Individual Task

Lam was particularly influenced by Pablo Picasso. Lam met Picasso in Paris in 1938 and was subsequently inspired by cubism. Find a work by Picasso which reminds you of Lam's Zambezia, Zambezia.

Research Questions

Giacometti’s Nose was inspired by a bamboo and a bark mask of the Baining people of New Britain. Research other masks made by these people. In your  opinion what features of these masks may have appealed to the artist?

Group Task

Lam was also influenced by Henri Matisse. What similarities and differences of style and technique do you think both artists shared?

Discussion Questions

Discuss the similarities of the artists Picasso and Lam. Discuss the materials and techniques both artists have used.