Partnership with DSBN contines to grow

Submitted by Dr. Peter Vietgen

“Being Cindy Sherman: Identity Mediation in the Visual Arts Classroom” is a research project coordinated by Drs. Jennifer Rowsell and Peter Vietgen from the Faculty of Education involving senior visual arts students from Laura Secord SS and Grimsby SS of the District School Board of Niagara. During the month of October 2012, the students explored the relationship between visual arts and literacy development through the art of photography. After researching and deconstructing the conceptual photographs of the respected contemporary American photographer Cindy Sherman, students created their own photographic images utilizing only disposable cameras, around the themes of autobiography and role-play. Culminating in two public art exhibitions held at Rodman Hall Art Centre and the District School Board of Niagara, the student art work was accompanied by written artist statements prepared by the students in order to give them the opportunity to share their inspiration and creative process through written narratives. Utilizing multi-modal approaches to literacy development, this project showcased creative responses by youth which served as a mirror on the world in which we live today.