Celebrating Black History Month - Prep School Art Display

To celebrate Black History Month, our Prep School were spotted making the art display!

Alma Thomas (1891-1978) was an American artist known for her colourful and abstract paintings. She was a pioneering African American artist and an important figure in the Washington Colour School movement, which emerged in Washington, D.C., during the mid-20th century. Alma Thomas was known for her distinctive technique. Alma Thomas used short, staccato-like brushwork, creating a mosaic-like effect in her paintings. She often drew inspiration from nature and her surroundings. She was influenced by the colours and patterns she observed in her garden, as well as the changing seasons. Year 4 has done an incredible job of embodying Thomas’s style in their pieces that speak their individual narratives such as running around in the playground, walking with family in the forest and climbing a hill with friends.

Read more: https://www.thecollector.com/alma-thomas-abstract-painting/

There is a vast diversity of clay mask traditions across the African continent, each with its unique characteristics, cultural significance, and regional variations. They are not only visually stunning but also serve as a means of preserving cultural traditions, storytelling, and identity. Many masks include intricate carving, use of textiles, and incorporation of various materials which make them valuable artistic creations. Year 6 had a fantastic time making clay masks as we begin to celebrate African History Month. Clay has deep cultural and symbolic significance in many African societies. It is often associated with creation myths and the Earth itself.