Students React to Disaster in Japan
How middle school students expressed their concern for the victims of the tsunami and earthquake through art.
7th grade students, Luma Hamade and Sara Fay, were inspired by a discussion and photos of the recent disaster in Japan. The discussion began in Mme. Anne Guionnet's class; she encouraged the students to express their feelings about the disaster through art. In collaboration with French Art Teacher, Aïcha Idelcadi, the students created colorful works of "sadness, hope, happiness, and inspiration." They were allowed to use any materials in the Goguely Art Room, and had two days to finalize their projects. The artwork was then displayed on a large bulletin board on the first floor of the Cohn Campus.
Aïcha said, "we worked in class and learned how Art can support a cause. I started by showing the students a painting from Picasso, Guernica. I explained to them how artists can choose a cause that touches and inspires them, and that Art is a great way to express ideas and feelings."
In regards to focusing their artwork on Japan, Aïcha said, "how the students analyzed what other artists did to support Japan, really impressed me. The students know quite a bit, but they also had a lot to say regarding their own interpretation... even things I didn't think about! Their critical thinking is impressive. I was so impressed and proud of what they did, that I made a movie for them, to share their work with more people and sensitize others to the importance of world support in this dramatic event."
Although the artwork was done by 7th and 8th grade students, one 6th grade student, Polina, was so moved by the work done by the 7th and 8th graders, that she asked Aïcha if she, too, could participate and show her support through art.
Aïcha proudly created a video of the students' artwork, set to moving music. Which, can be viewed here. Please feel free to share this link with friends and family.
The following are sample comments and abstracts from the students, on their artwork:
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Aïcha said, "we worked in class and learned how Art can support a cause. I started by showing the students a painting from Picasso, Guernica. I explained to them how artists can choose a cause that touches and inspires them, and that Art is a great way to express ideas and feelings."
In regards to focusing their artwork on Japan, Aïcha said, "how the students analyzed what other artists did to support Japan, really impressed me. The students know quite a bit, but they also had a lot to say regarding their own interpretation... even things I didn't think about! Their critical thinking is impressive. I was so impressed and proud of what they did, that I made a movie for them, to share their work with more people and sensitize others to the importance of world support in this dramatic event."
Although the artwork was done by 7th and 8th grade students, one 6th grade student, Polina, was so moved by the work done by the 7th and 8th graders, that she asked Aïcha if she, too, could participate and show her support through art.
Aïcha proudly created a video of the students' artwork, set to moving music. Which, can be viewed here. Please feel free to share this link with friends and family.
The following are sample comments and abstracts from the students, on their artwork:
Sara Fay
“For me, the best part was seeing everyone’s drawings all together, because I know that everyone was showing how much they cared on that little bulletin board.”
Linh-An Ho
“To see Japan, a country with a thriving economy, fall apart by these disasters really affected me. It also affected the rest of the world and of course, the country. To me, the highlight of this disaster was not the disaster itself, but, despite the disaster, they showed an incredible work ethic. That was what really inspired me.”
Emily Lepert:
“In my drawing, I’ve tried to tell the world that Japan has reacted well to their disasters. I’ve taken a Japanese symbol protecting the red sun from a wave. I also want to show that people should care about Japan. I care about Japan. I hope they will go through this with courage.”
Sebastien Garbe
“I wanted to show that even when all hope seems to be lost, it is always better to stay hopeful and be courageous.”
Chloé Mauvais
“What I mean to convey in my drawing is a sort of solidarity, though I am sure that, unless we have been to Japan and lived through what they did, we can never completely understand it. I want to shock the people who haven’t seen Japan and push them to help. I am not much of an optimist, though. Through my art, I hope to give hope and love in the form of survivors, standing stronger that the buildings in ruin around them. My drawing is a prayer for Japan, the country of the rising sun. I hope it is heard.”
Aodhan Ozawa-Burns
“In our drawings, we tried to represent hope, support, and a new beginning for Japan. We would like to help and show Japan our support. They were very orderly and did not panic. We fully respect them and we hope the best for Japan.”
In addition to their artwork, 8th graders and their English Science Teacher, Amy Fontarensky, organized a bake sale for Japan. They raised approximately $765, which will be donated to the Red Cross.Paulette Ma
“Innocent, unprepared, this was Japan. Yet, even with the most disastrous events, there is still hope, no matter how little it is. The gray and white represents the destruction, but with the symbols, there is hope. We have to work together to develop the hope and grasp every opportunity that comes our way. But we have to work together because ‘Opportunity doesn’t knock at your door; you have to knock it down for it to present itself.’ And now, the door we have to knock down is learning how to work together.”