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CO-CREATING SPACES OF IMAGINATION, CREATIVITY AND NARRATION: SUPERHEROES + ALTER EGOS

Summer 2013

Continuing Studies School of the Art Institute of Chicago

In collaboration with 4-5 year-olds, Louis Raymo and Ariel Wolfe

Armor: Symbols of Strength and Protection

 

After a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago's armor exhibit, students created wearable armor for themselves that depicted symbols of strength and protection. What are things that make us feel strong? When and where do we feel safe?

 Monster and Superhero in the City Animation

 

After a visit to the Chicago Architecture Foundation to discuss architecture and city models, students created models of a hypothetical city using recycled material. Students created monster characters out of paper mache inspired by hybrid creatures seen in historic Greek relief sculpture. 

 

Combining these creations with paper cut-outs of super hero alter egos, students created a stop-motion animation in which their creations interacted in space and time.

 Superhero Portraits

 

Using a photograph, crayon and water color, students envisioned themselves as superheroes. Each student created a superhero persona that included a hero name, super powers, and a setting in which their actions take place. How do super ideas of ourselves reflect our strengths and/or desires?

 Alter Egos Flip Page

 

Each student's photograph was covered with a clear piece of mylar in which the student painted an alter ego version of themselves. In an exploration of multiple aspects of identity, students considered what parts of their image might be revealed or hidden when creating their alter ego identity.

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