Still Life, Dead Nature (LS-PL-793)

Context
The learning scenario Still Life, Dead Nature was conceived as a blend of contents regarding history of art and civil engagement. It serves as materials for international students exchanges as well as for regular classes that can be conducted either online or offline. This learning scenario enables teachers to use it as a whole unit or combine separate parts of it. The main idea is based on Still Life paintings that in the later part tackle the issue of food waste. The concept Still Life can be used as a subtle reference to food that is no longer fresh. The fruits and vegetables presented in the paintings bring to mind the ones that are being thrown out at thousands of households every day. The English term Still Life is derived from the Dutch equivalent Stilleven, whereas Dead Nature is derived from the French term Nature Morte. Hence the title of this learning scenario and its reference to a very up-to-date issue of food waste.
Activities
In the first part of the learning scenario students learn the examples of the Still Life paintings and get to know the most representative pieces of art for this genre at the turn of the centuries. They learn the history of Still Life and its main elements: i.e. fruits, flowers, books, dishes, weapons, hunting instruments, kitchen utensils, smoking utensils, candles, cards and other games, musical instruments. Students analyze concrete paintings in groups by using the acquired knowledge as well as find information about the artists that created the them and the galleries where the paintings can be found.
In the second part of the lesson students choose from previously prepared resources a set of objects that they then use to create a set for their own picture imitating images of the genre Still Life. Students work in groups within which they decide what elements to choose and how to create the most interesting and effective set for their photo. They choose from fruits, vegetables, flowers and other elements, provided by the teacher. Students have to justify their choice. Photos are being taken with mobile phones in 2D and 3D.
In the third part students learn about the problem of food waste on the personal, local and national level. They discuss solutions that are either already implemented or suggest their own ideas followed by local examples and online materials on food waste.
Summary
The lesson was an adventure on many levels. The introduction into the history of art led to communing with art and then to a very important contemporary world issue of food waste. Students were engaged in all parts of the lesson while they were acquiring knowledge, creating their own installations or solving problems of the today’s world. They could experience a whole range of topics and many working methods, both offline and online.
Would you like to know more about this learning scenario? You can download it below:
Did you find this learning scenario interesting? You might also like:
- Our Everyday Still Lives – My Favourite Things Far and Near in Isolation
- Do You Like Fruit and Vegetables?
- Paintings That Tell Stories
CC0 1.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Statens Museum for Kunst.