Latin American Art Projects

Students looked at slides of Arpilleras (api-yare-as) which are fabulous 3 dimensional fabric pictures made in Peru. These landscapes represent farming, which is so important in many parts of that country. Students were provided with numerous materials such as beans, seeds, pipe cleaners, fabric, tissue paper, sticks, toothpics and construction paper. After learning about foreground, middle ground and background, they used several techniques to combine the materials to create their own unique interpretations of the Peruvian Arpilleras.

Students looked at many examples of Mexican textiles and pointed out several things they had in common . One of these things was borders that displayed symbols from nature, bright colors and repeating patterns. Students then got to choose 4 small pieces of different colored construction paper which they stacked on top of each other while cutting out an animal figure to use in a Mexican-style border. They then used tempera paint to add decorative details to their borders

Students looked at many examples of Mexican tinwork. Many of the tin ornaments and other decorative items represent the charming architecture of the country. Students used incising and permanent marker on heavy gauge aluminum to create thier own Mexican style facades.

Students looked at slides of Mexican serapes which are colorful textiles which are worn over the shoulder like capes. After discussing the different lines and shapes used in the designs, students used tempera to paint their own serapes.