Introduction to Visual Culture

Chapter 1 Reflection

The first chapter of our textbook deals with explaining the main themes of visual culture. It defines for us what visual culture is along with the ideas of multiculturalism and interculturalism, and how those influence visual culture. Multiculturalism is about different cultures that coexist but remain separate. Interculturalism is when these different cultures mix and share ideas without any one being above the other. These ideas are important in relation to the topic of visual culture because the culture gives context to the art that people are looking at. The textbook also gives historical background for how visual culture came about as well as how art came to be a subject taught in schools and what purpose it served. In the early years, “adult art was used in school around the turn of the twentieth century to teach students, often immigrant children who could not speak English, moral values.” (Freedman & Boughton, 2023, ch. 1 p. 36). It wasn’t until 1921 that art in schools shifted more towards a field of self-expression that we are more familiar with today. The authors also discuss the importance of art in regard to visual culture as well as the foundations for how to teach this concept to students.

As I was reading through the text, the idea that resonated with me the most was “Artistic development and the construction of identity are connected.” (Freedman & Boughton, 2023, ch.1 p. 51). I’m a strong believer in the idea that all art says something about the person and with visual culture this goes beyond just the traditional fine arts. Even the authors say, “they also construct identities and develop ideas about what they want to “say” through the visual forms they make, decide to wear, watch on television, and so on” (Freedman & Boughton, 2023, ch.1 p.51). I think this idea that things like fashion and media as an art form can be representative as part of an individual identity are things that get disregarded when discussing this topic of identity, I agree with the authors, and I feel like teaching this foundational part of visual culture can be very helpful for young students to develop and understand different forms of self-expression. In the same paragraph the authors discuss how “art education addresses individual and group differences within a structure of community” (Freedman & Boughton, 2023, ch.1 p.51). This also ties into the connection of art and self-identity. I love seeing different artists take on the same project idea. I think it really helps say something about the individual who created the art and it’s always interesting to hear people’s interpretations of what that message is. The artist is putting something out and everybody takes something different from it. I think something like this can also serve to bring different scopes of people together because they don’t all have to agree with the same thing, but we can still share our individual perspectives.

I would love to use this connection between art and identity in my future teachings. I think the first step to achieve this is to help students understand that visual culture encompasses so much more than just traditional art. If I can demonstrate to them things such as what they wear, how their hair is styled, or even what show they watch can all be part of their identity, I believe their perspectives and opportunities for self-expression can be broadened. This step feels like it’s more crucial to achieve at a young stage because discovering one’s identity can be difficult as an adult and even more so for young children. Having these concepts be introduced early on can lessen the burden of growth and self-discovery. I also want to emphasize to my future students the idea of addressing differences. I would like to be able to give my class a project with some guidelines but no strict limitations on what their final creation must be. I would rather let them create something that they really want to and are passionate about even if it deviates somewhat from the initial instructions. It’s important for me to cultivate their individuality and encourage them to explore their own thoughts and ideas.

Orange Happy Face by Elise Bobczynski, 3

References:

Freedman, K. & Boughton, D. (2023). Elementary Art Education: A Practical Approach to Teaching Visual Culture [Unpublished manuscript]. Art and Design Education, Northern Illinois University.

Orange Happy Face. Kids Did It Designs Collection. (2012). Retrieved January 27, 2023