Using Collage to Express Ourselves

Living School, 9th & 11th Grade | Spanish & Visual Art
by Ms. Christmas

This semester, Mrs. Gomez’s class delved into Mexican culture, exploring food, family, and geography vocabulary alongside the works of prominent Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Mrs. Gomez aimed to combine portraiture and collage to connect with Frida Kahlo’s art, known for its introspective self-portraits that reflected her struggles and self-discovery.

Students engaged with collage and photography as part of their arts integration. We focused on creating food collages with the prompt to design a menu featuring their favorite foods and drinks, incorporating 3-5 Spanish words. The results varied: some students filled their pages with vibrant, decorated collages, while others covered just a corner. This diversity highlighted that each student engages with art in their unique way.

The freedom for students to express themselves through their chosen artistic methods is the most rewarding part of the job. Additionally, collage projects foster social-emotional learning, which is crucial for holistic education.